Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have opened talks over a transfer for Lee Kang-In, with ESPN sources reporting that the Ligue 1 club value the South Korea attacking midfielder at around EUR35 million ($40m).
PSG Set Lee Kang-In Valuation At EUR35m
Lee, 25, has spent three seasons in Paris and has two years left on his PSG contract. He arrived from Mallorca for just under EUR20m, giving Paris Saint-Germain a clear reference point as talks with Atletico begin.
ESPN reported that Lee wants to join Diego Simeone's side. The South Korea international starts his World Cup campaign against Czechia on Thursday, so the transfer discussion is now running alongside national-team duty rather than a quiet summer.
Atletico Offer Spain Return For Lee
Lee's Spanish connection is central to the story. Before joining Mallorca and then PSG, he spent much of his life in Spain and had a spell at Valencia. ESPN sources said he wants to return to Spain if the clubs can find an agreement.
His role in Paris also explains the timing. Lee was part of PSG's Champions League-winning squad under Luis Enrique, but he struggled for regular game time last season and did not start a game in Europe.
Monaco's Akliouche On PSG Replacement List
If PSG and Atletico reach an agreement, ESPN reported that Paris have identified Monaco and France attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche as a potential replacement.
That detail keeps the story firmly tied to Ligue 1 squad planning. PSG would not simply be trimming the group; they would be weighing whether a player from another French club can fill the attacking midfield role Lee may leave behind.
Atletico are also interested in Bernardo Silva, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester City, according to ESPN sources. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Jose Mourinho are also keen on the Portugal international, but Lee is the active PSG negotiation on the table.