Lee Kang-in Transfer Rumors: Kang-in Coming Off Excellent Season
South Korean International Close to Signing for PSG
Kang-in Coming Off Excellent Season in La Liga
The Summer transfer window is officially open. Some blockbuster transfers have already occurred, including Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid and Alexis MacAllister to Liverpool. There should be plenty to come, and rumors are currently swirling about a Lee Kang-in transfer. The South Korean international is firmly on PSG’s radar and could join Marco Asensio in Paris. We’ll take a look at the latest rumors surrounding the Mallorca man.
Kang-In in 2022-23
Lee Kang-in scored six goals and assisted six more for Mallorca in La Liga in 2022-23. Only three Mallorca players made more starts than Kang-in during the season, and he helped them finish in the top half of La Liga for the first time in over a decade. Mallorca finished in ninth place, just three points outside of a European place.
Kang-in ranked favorably in a few categories in the 2022-23 season. An adept dribbler, Kang-in ranked in the 99th percentile of Europe’s top-five leagues for successful take-ons.
He averaged 2.87 per 90 minutes. Among midfielders, Kang-in also ranked in the 87th percentile for assists. He averaged 0.19 assists per 90 minutes during the season.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder also made South Korea’s World Cup squad for Qatar 2022. In South Korea’s second group stage game, Kang-in assisted Cho Gue-sung in a 3-2 loss to Ghana.
Kang-in’s 2022-23 season was by far his best as a professional; with his impressive performance, Kang-in has attracted the attention of several clubs across Europe, fueling rumors of potential transfers to compete in European tournaments. It’s no wonder why the Lee Kang-in transfer rumors are out there. He’s reportedly wanted by several clubs across Europe.
Rumors
Lee Kang-in has been linked to many clubs in Europe this Summer. They include Burnley, Feyenoord, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid, Napoli, Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain. Kang-in reportedly wanted a transfer in the Winter window, but Mallorca was unwilling to let him leave.
Reportedly making under $300,000 yearly, Kang-in is in line for a huge payday with his new team. He was allegedly close to joining Atletico earlier this month but negotiations broke down. Atleti were unwilling to pay his release clause, which is somewhere in the region of 17 million Euros.
Then, Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain swooped in. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, PSG have already fully agreed with Kang-in over a transfer. He’s passed a medical, and it’s up to PSG and Mallorca to agree on a deal that works for both parties.
How Will Kang-in Fit in?
If the Lee Kang-in transfer to PSG materializes, it will follow a trend of young players arriving in the French capital this Summer. PSG are also expected to finalize the transfers of 22-year-old Uruguayan defender Manuel Ugarte and 18-year-old midfielder Cher Ndour in the coming days.
Spanish international winger Marco Asensio is also on his way to the Parc des Princes.
With Lionel Messi’s departure to MLS, PSG are relying less on star power and more on cultivating young talents. Some outlets are even describing Kang-in as Messi’s replacement. While that may certainly be an exaggeration, Kang-in has already proved himself in a top league in Europe.
There’s no reason he can’t emerge to be a key player for reported new manager Luis Enrique with the side needing a boost in creativity.
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