With Lee Kang-in (22, Mallorca) looking increasingly likely to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), some are lamenting the loss of Son Heung-min (31) to Tottenham.
The Boot Room, a British publication, reported on Thursday (June 14) that Lee Kang-in is likely to move to PSG, but lamented the absence of a playmaker after the departure of Christian Eriksen (Manchester United, 31).
Lee is believed to have agreed a verbal contract with PSG and is close to completing the move. European transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano also confirmed on the same day that “PSG and Lee have fully agreed verbally on a long-term contract and the medical has been completed,” adding that “all that remains is for Mallorca and PSG to finalize the details.”
“The Boot Room” claimed that “Lee has been a target for Tottenham”. With Tottenham in need of a new playmaker or attacking midfielder in the number 10 role, the Spanish outlet emphasized that it was true that “Spurs are interested in Lee” last month.
Under Antonio Conte, Tottenham adopted a 3-4-3 formation system that did not require an attacking midfielder. This allowed them to play two defensive midfielders and eliminate the need for a number 10.
However, with Son Heung-min and Harry Kane at the center of their game, the need for a playmaker who can create chances has become a necessity for Tottenham. That’s why it’s been suggested that Lee should be given the No. 10 role, which has been needed since Eriksen’s departure to Inter Milan in 2020.
“Described as a ‘massive’ talent by Under-23 scout and journalist Antonio Mango, Lee had a very impressive season for Mallorca, scoring six goals and providing seven assists,” the publication said, adding that “his performances have made many clubs want him and Tottenham would be a great club for him to continue his development. However, Lee has reached a verbal agreement with PSG.”
Lee had been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid not long ago. Diego Simeone had his eye on the player and was actively pursuing him, and he was positive about moving to Atletico because he would be able to continue playing in La Liga without having to adapt, and he would have direct flights to the national team. However, the high buyout clause was a stumbling block.
Lee moved from Valencia to Mallorca for no transfer fee. In exchange for a reduction in his salary, Lee accepted a 30 percent buyout clause in his next transfer. Mallorca demanded a high transfer fee from Atletico due to this condition, and it is believed to be the cause of the breakdown in negotiations.
On March 13, Spanish media outlet Marca reported that “PSG has offered Mallorca 22 million euros (about KRW 304 billion) for the player”. This amount is second only to the 27 million euros (about 37.3 billion won) the club received for the sale of Samuel Eto’o to Barcelona in 2005.
Lee’s annual salary is estimated at €4 million ($5.5 billion). However, Lee will receive more than his salary as PSG will receive 30 percent of his transfer fee, or 6.6 million euros (about 9.2 billion won). Add to that the various options he has depending on his performance for PSG, and his paycheck is likely to increase even more.안전놀이터
It’s a shame that we won’t get to see Lee play alongside Son Heung-min. However, it will be great for Korean fans to see the French Ligue 1’s most prestigious club win trophies every season and challenge for the UEFA Champions League.