Can Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) really become a junior of Park Ji-sung? His agent reportedly visited Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer market.

Matteo Moreto of Spain's 'Relevo' reported on the 16th (Korean time) that "Spanish agent Javier Garrido watched many matches in England this week. He met with several PL clubs, including Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Everton. We will have to see if this trip leads to discussions about the summer transfer market in the coming months."

Garrido is known to be Lee Kang-in's agent. Moreto stated, "Garrido represents Lee Kang-in, Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Harvey Guera (Valencia), Inaki Pena (Barcelona), and Jesus Fortea (Real Madrid)."

Moreto is one of the most reputable journalists in Spain. In particular, he covers Mallorca and has repeatedly shown his affection for Lee Kang-in. During the 2022-2023 season, he gained a lot of attention for being the first to report on transfer rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in.

This is why many Korean fans are paying attention to Garrido's trip to England. Among the players he manages, none are attracting more attention in Europe than Lee Kang-in. Lee Kang-in appears to be the most likely target for big PL clubs, including Manchester United.

In fact, Lee Kang-in was linked to the PL during the last winter transfer market. At that time, the teams reported to be interested in Lee Kang-in included Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Nottingham Forest, among others.

At that time, Relevo reported, "Arsenal really likes Lee Kang-in. There have not been any official talks yet. Nonetheless, Lee Kang-in fits the profile of players suitable for Arsenal. Manchester United and Newcastle are also monitoring his situation." The British 'The Athletic' also stated that Lee Kang-in is one of Arsenal's transfer targets.

The teams watching Lee Kang-in were not limited to just Arsenal. Italian 'Tutto Mercato' reported that "Newcastle and Manchester United have sent scouts multiple times to observe Lee Kang-in. Both teams have inquired about information and will attempt to make a move in the coming days. The first contact has already been made. The evaluation amount is around €40 million (approximately 60.4 billion won). The amount may change once negotiations begin."

Furthermore, Tottenham, where Son Heung-min plays, and Nottingham, a team ranked 3rd in the PL, were also mentioned. 'On the Minute' claimed, "Tottenham and Nottingham have joined Manchester United and Newcastle in the race to sign Lee Kang-in," adding, "Lee Kang-in lost his starting position, and there have been discussions about PSG possibly cashing in on him. Tottenham and Nottingham are also showing interest in him."

As a result, Lee Kang-in remained with PSG instead of transferring. According to 'L'Équipe' and The Athletic, PSG has received several inquiries about Lee Kang-in but evaluates him highly both on and off the field. L'Équipe stated, "PSG has received many inquiries about Lee Kang-in. However, at this time, there are no thoughts of parting ways with Lee Kang-in, who has made 24 appearances and started 14 matches across all competitions since August."

It is also known that head coach Luis Enrique likes Lee Kang-in. In fact, he remarked this season, "Lee Kang-in has been on an upward trajectory since I arrived at PSG. He has good numbers. He can play various positions such as striker, winger, and false 9," adding, "I like Lee Kang-in. He has an excellent attitude, and his performance is undeniable."

However, the atmosphere has changed recently. Lee Kang-in has been pushed to the bench since Khvicha Kvaratskhelia joined the team. Ousmane Dembélé has emerged as the new striker, and Desiree Doué and Bradley Barcola are also gaining the trust of coach Enrique.

Ultimately, Lee Kang-in has become a rotation player who cannot secure a starting spot either as a central midfielder or as a winger. He missed the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 against Liverpool and was substituted in the second leg during extra time. This is evidence of how much Lee Kang-in's position has narrowed.

Reports in France also indicate that PSG will sell Lee Kang-in this coming summer. French 'Foot 01' reported earlier this month, "Lee Kang-in and PSG are parting ways! Lee Kang-in is likely to spend his last few weeks at PSG as the club has decided to part ways with him this summer."

The media noted that "Lee Kang-in has never been a definite starting player in coach Enrique's eyes. Nevertheless, he has been a luxury joker for a long time but has disappeared from the team in recent weeks. His playing time has decreased, and his playing minutes have also become shorter." They added that, according to 'PSG Inside Actus,' there is no doubt that the reason for Lee Kang-in's release this summer has been decided by the PSG board.

It has already been suggested that Lee Kang-in is regarded as "a player who is almost certain to leave." Foot 01 added, "After spending two years at PSG, Lee Kang-in has ended up in a situation where he must leave. Considering that his contract runs until June 2028 and he earns about €7 million (approximately 10.9 billion won) annually, it is still uncertain whether he will easily pack his bags. While that amount is reasonable compared to the size of the PSG locker room, it will certainly be hard to receive such a figure in smaller clubs."

Previously, French 'Sport' also stated, "Lee Kang-in was brought in to solidify his position in the PSG midfield but has never become an essential player." They claimed, "The PSG board is considering the sale of Lee Kang-in to create space for a new reinforcement. Whether they opt for a loan or a transfer to revive him, who has not found a proper position in Paris, remains uncertain."

The report that Lee Kang-in's agent visited Manchester United has raised expectations that he might wear a Manchester United jersey. Manchester United is currently reforming the team under coach Ruben Amorim. Marcus Rashford has already been loaned to Aston Villa, and Alejandro Garnacho's future is also uncertain.

In the UK, they believe that Lee Kang-in could be a good signing for Manchester United. 'Give Me Sport' noted, "Manchester United's attack is somewhat lacking, and Garnacho and Rashford are on the verge of leaving. Old Trafford needs a new striker. Lee Kang-in may be interested in transferring to Manchester United as he has not secured a starting position at PSG. He could be the first signing under Amorim's regime at Manchester United."

Additionally, the media emphasized, "Currently, only Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes are threatening for Manchester United. Acquiring Lee Kang-in could be what is needed in the final third. If finances allow, Manchester United will face fierce competition surrounding Lee Kang-in, who still has suitors across Europe. The competition to sign him will heat up in the coming weeks."

British 'Football FanCast' also raised their voice, stating that Manchester United should sign Lee Kang-in. The media explained, "Football statistics outlet 'FBref' rated Lee Kang-in as a player similar to superstar Vinicius Jr., who ranked second in the Ballon d'Or behind Rodri in 2024," adding, "Lee Kang-in will undoubtedly be a far superior player to Rashford and could become a sensational player under Amorim's regime."

[Photo] Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1, RTV Buzz, Goalpost Asia social media.

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