This summer, Lee Kang-in will depart due to the PSG contract standoff.

 

Lee Kang-in Faces Summer Exit Amid PSG Contract Stalemate

Lee Kang-in’s future at Paris Saint-Germain has become a pressing question as the summer window approaches. The talented 24-year-old winger joined PSG in 2023 after a breakout spell at Mallorca, but he has struggled to secure a regular place in the starting lineup. Sources report that talks over a new contract have stalled, and with his current deal running to 2028, PSG are now open to listening to offers.
With Paris gearing up for another title defense (they clinched the 2024–25 Ligue 1 crown with an outstanding unbeaten run) and advancing deep in the Champions League, Lee finds himself competing with a star-studded attack and limited playing time. Despite a bright start—he scored in PSG’s first two games of the season—Lee’s role diminished after the winter break. He totaled seven goals and six assists over 47 appearances last year, but injuries and rotation took their toll. An ankle injury in March sidelined him for almost a month, and by April he had been dropped from the line-up entirely. He was unused through PSG’s Champions League quarter-finals and sat on the bench as they headed into the semi-finals. In the league, even with PSG pursuing an historic unbeaten season, Lee rarely featured in late-season matches. With new signings like Ousmane Dembélé (the league’s top scorer with 21 goals) and existing talents such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Youssouf Barcola ahead of him, Lee has been mostly a rotational option.

Transfer Interest Grows Across Europe and Beyond

This reduced role has, in turn, ignited a bidding war among clubs from several top leagues. Football insiders and transfer experts confirm that Lee is being closely watched by teams across Europe. Serie A giants AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli are among the Italian contenders showing strong interest. In England, Arsenal are reportedly keen—scouts are said to have tracked Lee during PSG’s recent Champions League ties. Clubs in Spain’s La Liga and even powerhouses in the Bundesliga have been mentioned in connection with the Korean international. Notably, every major Saudi Pro League team is believed to be monitoring Lee’s situation as well, drawn by the prospect of a creative playmaker joining their ranks. Sources indicate that PSG have set a hefty price tag in the region of €40–50 million for Lee. This valuation is significantly above the ~€30m market value given by some analytics sites, reflecting PSG’s leverage. In any case, it is clear that Paris are preparing to move on if a club meets their demands. Transfer expert Ekrem Konur notes that “PSG’s Lee Kang-in is attracting attention from Serie A and Premier League teams,” adding that the player has been “watched” by Italy’s big three and by clubs in England, Germany and elsewhere. Matteo Moretto, a respected journalist, likewise reported that Lee’s contract talks are “deadlocked,” making him “one of the big players of this summer’s market” with suitors from Italy, Spain, England and Saudi Arabia.

Versatile Playmaker with Creative Flair

Clubs’ interest is hardly surprising given Lee’s skill set and versatility. The PSG attacker is a left-footed playmaker known for his technical flair. He possesses excellent crossing ability and is a dead-ball specialist, and he can beat defenders with quick feet and clever dribbling. Lee is often deployed on the wing—either left or right—where he can cut inside and shoot, much in the style of famous inverted wingers like Arjen Robben or Lionel Messi. Equally, he is comfortable orchestrating play in midfield. Analysts compare him more to an elite No. 10 (a la David Silva) than a traditional out-and-out winger. His vision, passing and close control allow him to operate between the lines and unlock defenses. Indeed, Lee was the FIFA U-20 World Cup’s Golden Ball winner in 2019, underlining the top-level potential he exhibited at youth level. This tactical flexibility adds to his appeal. He can be slotted into different systems: as an inverted winger on either flank or as a central attacking midfielder. PSG coach Luis Enrique has sometimes used him out wide, but some coaches believe Lee is most dangerous when given freedom in a central role to link play. Whatever the exact position, his combination of dribbling, creative passing and set-piece delivery makes him a coveted asset. One report even calls Lee a “Korean national team ace” with “dribbling, ball distribution and passing at the highest level.” In short, clubs chasing a playmaker who can both create and score have good reason to court him.

Why Napoli Is Seen as a Top Suitor

Among the interested teams, Italian champions Napoli stand out as a particularly fitting destination. Napoli recently sold Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to PSG, leaving a vacancy on their left wing, and they are expected to bolster their attack for another Champions League campaign. Local media have emphasized that Lee’s versatility is a perfect match for Napoli’s needs: he can play on either wing or even as a “false nine,” allowing coach Rudi Garcia (hired mid-season) tactical flexibility. Napoli’s title-winning style – fluid and attack-oriented – would also benefit from a creative midfielder who can link up play. It helps that Lee would not be the first South Korean at the club. Center-back Kim Min-jae, who starred for Napoli en route to the Scudetto, would be a familiar presence in the dressing room. In fact, one report notes how Lee could pair with Napoli’s midfield – possibly alongside Kevin De Bruyne, who is linked with a move – to strengthen the team’s creative spine. With Napoli set to contest both domestic and European honors again, adding a multifaceted playmaker like Lee makes strategic sense. The Italian club’s blend of recent success and style of play could offer him the game time and platform he seeks.

Outlook: A Busy Summer Ahead

With PSG intent on a big-money deal and Lee keen to play regularly, a move this summer looks all but certain. The rumor mill suggests that several concrete offers could emerge once the window opens. PSG have made it clear they expect a bid in the €40–50m range. Clubs willing to invest that sum – whether from Milan, Madrid, London or Riyadh – will be closely evaluated. In summary, Lee Kang-in’s next steps will likely be decided soon. A transfer seems imminent given the contract stalemate and squad logjam at PSG. Observers expect that whoever lands him will acquire a skilled, versatile playmaker still entering his prime. For Lee, the priority is playing time; for PSG, it is a payday. The summer market may well conclude one of European football’s most-watched transfer sagas.