The twist of the twist. What will be the outcome of the Lee Kang-in (Real Mallorca) transfer?
On the 20th (KST), Spanish media outlet Copa reported that ‘Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Mallorca have not even entered the negotiation stage, let alone exchanged documents for the transfer of Lee Kang-in. There is an approximate transfer fee, and it is true that PSG and Real Mallorca have talked. But it’s been a week since reports surfaced that PSG were interested in signing Lee, and nothing has happened. There have been no developments in the past week,” the report said.스포츠토토
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Lee’s departure was predictable: He played 2840 minutes in 36 games (33 starts) in the Spanish Primera Liga in the 2022-2023 season, scoring six goals and providing six assists. He became the first South Korean player to reach double-digit offensive points in a season in Spain. Notably, Lee has 90 successful dribbles this season, ranking fourth in dribbles among Europe’s top five leagues. In Spain alone, he is second only to Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid). In particular, Lee led the league with a 68% dribbling success rate.
He also produced a number of highlight reel moments, including scoring in the 30th round of the league against Getafe in second-half stoppage time after sprinting 70 meters. The goal was named the best goal of the 30th round. Lee is also the first South Korean player to win the Best Goal award.
Lee also showed off his fiery toes at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, changing the atmosphere on the pitch every time he came on as the ‘Superjoker’. He has been a key player since Jürgen Klinsmann took over as South Korea’s head coach. He started both of their June A matches.
South Korea and El Salvador’s A match trial was held at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium on June 20. Lee Kang-in attempts a pass. Daejeon=Park Jae-man 기자pjm@sportschosun.com/2023.06.20/
South Korea and El Salvador played a friendly A match at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium on Tuesday. Lee Kang-in tries to break through. Daejeon=Park Jae-man 기자pjm@sportschosun.com/2023.06.20/
South Korea and El Salvador played an A friendly at the Daejeon World Cup Stadium on Tuesday. Lee Kang-in puts up a cross. Daejeon=Park Jae-man 기자pjm@sportschosun.com/2023.06.20/
There was a lot of interest in Lee Kang-in after his best season. Starting with Atletico Madrid (Spain), he received ‘love calls’ from Aston Villa, Man United, Newcastle, Burnley, Wolverhampton, Brighton (England), AC Milan and Napoli (Italy). Atletico Madrid, in particular, have been interested since the winter transfer window in January. However, at the time, he remained at Real Mallorca. Atletico Madrid became more active in the summer transfer window. However, reports surfaced that they had given up after struggling with the price tag.
PSG quickly emerged as a new destination. On July 13, Matteo Moretto of Spanish outlet Rilevo wrote, “Lee’s future lies outside of Spain. PSG is the favorite. PSG have been following Lee’s situation for months. Negotiations between PSG and Real Mallorca are progressing well. A personal agreement with the player has already been reached. We want to finalize the details of the transfer, including bonus clauses.
French outlet L’Equipe also reported that ‘PSG have made a surprise signing after weeks of work. Lee Kang-in will sign a contract with PSG once he returns from his national team call-up. European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Thursday that ‘PSG have reached a full verbal agreement with Lee Kang-in on a long-term contract. Lee Kang-in has already completed his medical. PSG is finalizing the final details of the contractual arrangements with Real Mallorca.
Photo via Spanish media outlet Pichajes’ website
Pichajes concluded: ‘PSG should try to sign Lee Kang-in. It is believed that Lee is heading to PSG. However, some outlets, such as Marca, claim that the deal is not yet finalized. Real Mallorca have made it clear that they are in no rush and will only let the player go if they receive the right offer. In principle, Real Mallorca’s intention is to receive €22 million plus add-ons. PSG hope to lower this amount. However, the temptation to sign Lee continues. The negotiations are ongoing.” Another media outlet, FootMercato, said: “PSG must put more money on the table. Real Mallorca will ask for 22 million euros.
Photo by Yonhap
Photo via Yonhap
Photo via Yonhap
It’s in this context that Kopé claims that there is no progress in the negotiations between PSG and Real Mallorca. This is a significant departure from what has been reported. Lee has been focused on the national team, saying after the match against Peru in Busan on Nov. 16, “I don’t know. All I can say is that I’m with the national team, so I have to focus on that. Right now I’m a Real Mallorca player. If I do move, I’ll either transfer or stay after the national team.” Now that the A-Match is over, Lee’s transfer could be coming to an end.