Transfer Centre

Paris Saint-Germain 'set to beat Tottenham, Aston Villa to Lee Kang-in signing'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 13 June 2023

PSG 'set to beat Spurs, Villa to Lee Kang-in signing'

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly closing in on the signing of Mallorca attacker Lee Kang-in, who was also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Mallorca playmaker Lee Hang-in.

The former Valencia starlet enjoyed another strong season in Mallorca colours during the 2022-23 campaign with six goals and seven assists from 36 games in La Liga.

The 22-year-old - who is regarded as one of the brightest young talents emerging from South Korea - remains under contract with Mallorca until 2025, but his performances have apparently attracted the attention of European-competing clubs.

Atletico Madrid were supposedly hoping to bring the playmaker to the Spanish capital, but it has since been reported that the Rojiblancos have now admitted defeat in their efforts to sign him.

Aston Villa therefore jumped to the head of the queue, but the Lions also appear set to miss out on the signing of Lee, as Foot Mercato reports that PSG are on the verge of agreeing a deal for the 22-year-old.

Lee Kang-in in action for Valencia on November 8, 2020 © Reuters

The French champions have reportedly come forward with a €15m (£12.9m) offer for the South Korea international, while Atletico fell short with a bid of €12m (£10.3m).

Mallorca are prepared to accept PSG's offer, and Lee has supposedly already agreed terms on a five-year contract with Les Parisiens, who have been tracking his progress for some time.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United were also keeping a close eye on Lee's development, but the 22-year-old has now given PSG his word as he prepares to end a successful two-year spell with Mallorca.

The versatile playmaker has amassed a total of seven goals and 10 assists in 73 outings for the Spanish side, who have deployed him as a number 10, left winger, right winger and second striker during his time at the Iberostar Stadium.

Before making the step-up to senior level with South Korea, Lee won the Golden Ball award at the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, scoring two goals and setting up four more as his side lost to Ukraine in the final.

General view of PSG's Parc des Princes from February 2019 © Reuters

The 22-year-old has since made 12 appearances for South Korea's senior team and played in all four of their games at the 2022 World Cup, registering one assist in a 3-2 group-stage defeat to Ghana.

Lee is set to become PSG's third arrival of the summer window following the captures of Marco Asensio and Manuel Ugarte, although neither signing has been officially announced by the club yet.

The South Korean arrives in the French capital in the wake of Lionel Messi's exit on a free transfer to Inter Miami, while Kylian Mbappe could also be sold following the latest revelation in his long-running transfer saga.

The Frenchman has apparently informed PSG that he will not be triggering the one-year option in his contract and will therefore leave as a free agent in 2024 if he is not sold in the current window.