Transfer rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in are heating up once again. Beyond mere interest, concrete replacement scenarios are being discussed, making a Premier League move seem realistically possible.
British outlet SportsBoom reported on the 17th (Korean time), "Brentford's scouting team sees Lee Kang-in as a potential replacement for Kevin Schade," and said, "the club is actively considering signing Lee Kang-in in preparation for a future transfer."
According to the report, Brentford is already internally preparing for a post-Schade system. Schade has been the subject of transfer speculation repeatedly in recent transfer windows, and it is widely assessed that he is likely to leave the team after this season. The club has begun reorganizing its attacking line in response, and Lee Kang-in is said to be at the center of that plan.
The scale of any transfer would not be small. SportsBoom explained, "Interest in Schade from other clubs is growing. There are forecasts that a major transfer worth 50 million pounds (about 99.4 billion won) could materialize," adding, "Lee Kang-in is receiving limited playing opportunities and is looking for a new club where he can play a key role."
Paris Saint-Germain's position is also a variable. PSG has Lee Kang-in under contract through 2028, but it has not completely ruled out the possibility of a transfer. The outlet said, "Paris Saint-Germain has set Lee Kang-in's transfer fee at 40 million euros (about 68.6 billion won) for the player under contract with the club until 2028," and emphasized, "Brentford would face competition from Atlético Madrid. The Spanish club has already held discussions related to a transfer, and Lee Kang-in has also been confirmed to be interested in returning to La Liga."
The current flow is clear. PSG and coach Luis Enrique want him to stay, but the player has not given a clear stance on a contract renewal. In effect, the choice remains open.
Lee Kang-in's whereabouts hinge on "playing time," which is the key variable. If he cannot expand his standing amid limited opportunities, the likelihood of pursuing a new challenge will inevitably increase. Conversely, if he secures a definite role in the starting lineup competition, there will be sufficient justification for staying.
Brentford envisions using Lee Kang-in not as a mere option but as a core member of the team. If Schade's transfer materializes and, as expected, a large transfer fee is secured, the club's financial structure would not be an issue.
In the end, timing is the key. Depending on the choice Lee Kang-in makes, three scenarios—moving to the Premier League, returning to La Liga, or staying in Paris—could all unfold simultaneously. For now, all possibilities are open.
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