Exclusive: PSG open to Premier League move for Lee Kang-in if €22m fee is met

Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to let Lee Kang-in leave this summer if they can recoup the €22 million fee paid to Mallorca, with Premier League clubs already circling.

The South Korean midfielder missed PSG’s final Ligue 1 fixture of the season against Auxerre, amid growing indications that he is ready to take on a new challenge next season. Sources have told *Football-Asian.com* that Lee’s representatives have already held talks with multiple Premier League sides, with the player understood to be confident about a move to England.

Lee signed a five-year contract with PSG in the summer of 2023 and has since won two Ligue 1 titles, two Trophée des Champions, and a Coupe de France. He was named Man of the Match in the 2024 Trophée des Champions.

However, Lee has struggled for minutes during the second half of the season, especially in PSG’s run to the UEFA Champions League final. Although named in the squad for the recent Auxerre clash, he was left unused on the bench and did not feature among the five substitutes used.

While the 23-year-old remained upbeat during the post-match title celebrations and has maintained a positive relationship with manager Luis Enrique and his teammates, his game time has diminished significantly.

The emergence of Désiré Doué and January signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has pushed Lee down the pecking order in attacking roles, while Gonçalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola have been preferred as impact substitutes. In midfield, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and January addition João Neves have all been ahead of him, with Warren Zaïre-Emery often chosen for his defensive qualities.

Despite remaining professional and respectful of team selection and training competition, Lee now wants more consistent playing time and is open to leaving if a suitable offer comes in.

In January, PSG received enquiries from Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Manchester United regarding Lee's availability. Arsenal proposed a loan deal with an option to buy, while Newcastle and United were said to be monitoring their Champions League qualification status before firming up any bids.

Newcastle’s interest is further boosted by their upcoming pre-season tour of South Korea in early August — a historic first for the club. The Magpies are scheduled to face the K League All-Stars and Tottenham Hotspur in a week-long stay. Though not yet officially confirmed, sources in Korea suggest the tour is in the final stages of being agreed.

Newcastle are keen to strengthen their squad depth ahead of potential European competition and have also shown interest in Kim Min-jae. However, the centre-back’s high wages have led them to prioritise more affordable targets such as Marc Guéhi.

Lee’s salary, by contrast, is not seen as a stumbling block for English clubs. Nevertheless, his potential transfer depends on outgoings at Arsenal, Newcastle, and United, as those clubs need to resolve squad positions before finalising interest.

Europa League-bound Crystal Palace and European contenders Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest in the South Korean international.

PSG initially sought a €40 million fee in January, but given Lee’s limited involvement in the second half of the campaign, they are now willing to accept €22 million — the same amount paid to Mallorca — possibly including performance-related add-ons.

Spanish side Atlético Madrid have also reportedly stepped up their interest following the drop in valuation.