Lee Kang-jin’s move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) would be groundbreaking for Valencia.

Lee has been the subject of interest from many big clubs since January. Newcastle United, Wolverhampton, and Aston Villa in the English Premier League (EPL), and Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

The big clubs were not surprised. After all, he was one of the best performers in Mallorca last season. Lee scored six goals and provided six assists in La Liga in 2022-23 and led Europe in dribbling success rate this season. He also improved his physicality, defense, and speed, all of which were noted as weaknesses.

After his best season yet, there was a lot of interest in Lee’s next move. One of the most active teams was Atletico Madrid. Atletico had been monitoring Lee since January and had been in talks with Mallorca since late April. However, Mallorca rejected Atletico’s offer of €12 million and Rodrigo Riquelme and wanted €20 million.

Eventually, negotiations with Atletico fell through, and talks with PSG progressed rapidly. According to French outlet RMC Sport, PSG offered 22 million euros ($30.3 billion) for Lee, and the offer was accepted.

Now, Lee’s move to PSG is imminent. “Lee has already passed the PSG medical in Paris earlier this week,” said Loic Tanji of France’s L’Equipe on July 13 (KST). Also, one of the most trusted sources in the transfer market, Fabrizio Romano, posted on his social media on the 14th, “PSG has verbally agreed to a long-term contract with Lee Kang-in. The medical has already been completed and the final details have been organized between the parties. He will join PSG very soon.” In reality, it was only a matter of time before Lee joined PSG.

By joining PSG, Lee will be able to take revenge on Valencia, who dropped him two years ago. Valencia, Lee’s youth team and professional debutant, dumped him in order to make room for a non-EU quota (three non-EU players) in 2021, a move that ultimately came back to haunt them. Spanish outlet Marca commented on Valencia’s decision to pursue Lee in April, when he was at the peak of his form, saying, “Lee has exploded as a player this season. His performances this season are proving that Valencia were wrong to let him go. They were definitely wrong”.

Now, after establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in La Liga, Lee has moved on to top-flight club PSG. Valencia may be regretting their decision. 안전놀이터