The transfer saga of Lee Kang-in has come to a head.
“Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have reached a full verbal agreement on a long-term contract with Lee Kang-in, who has completed the main part of his medical tests,” said European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano on Thursday. PSG is finalizing the final details of the contract (transfer fee) with Mallorca. After that, here we go.” ‘Here we go’ is Romano’s signal to confirm the transfer.
Lee had an incredible 2022-23 season. In 36 Spanish La Liga games (2,843 minutes – 33 starts), Lee scored six goals and provided six assists, setting new career highs for minutes played and offensive points in a single season. A milestone for a Korean leaguer in La Liga.
Lee was indispensable in Mallorca’s game plan. He was involved all over the field, playing on the flanks and in the center. His passing ability and league-leading dribbling skills led the attack. His partnership with the team’s top scorer, Bedat Murki (15 goals), was excellent. The dribbling category in particular stands out. According to soccer statistician Sofascore, Lee is second in dribbling successes (90) behind only Vinicius Junior (112 – Real).
After making a name for himself in La Liga, Lee has been linked to multiple European clubs. Aston Villa, Burnley, Wolverhampton, and Manchester United in the English Premier League (EPL), and Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Atletico was the initial favorite, but negotiations broke down over the transfer fee. Lee’s reported buyout clause is €25 million. Last summer, 안전놀이터 the price was €17 million, but it rose by €8 million due to variability in performance. Atletico couldn’t afford to pay a €25 million transfer fee, and pushed for a trade format that included a combination of transfer fees and players. However, with only €12 million in cash, they were turned away by Mallorca.
PSG then emerged as the favorite. According to Spain’s L’Equipe, PSG had been monitoring Lee for months and had been in talks for the past few weeks under PSG president Luis Campos. On March 13, an agreement was reached.
“PSG and Mallorca are close to reaching an agreement on the transfer of Lee Kang-in,” reported Loic Tanji of L’Equipe on Wednesday. Lee has already passed his medical in Paris and has agreed to a long-term contract,” he reported.
“There are still details to be worked out between the clubs, but the parties believe it is only a matter of time. The transfer fee could reach €20 million ($27.5 billion), including bonuses.” Some reports put the transfer fee at €22 million.
Finally, on Thursday, Romano added the news of a full verbal agreement between PSG and Lee. Now it’s just a matter of finalizing how the contract will be structured to pay the transfer fee.
