A blockbuster transfer rumor has Korean football fans buzzing. Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly interested in signing Lee Kang-in (23) from Paris Saint-Germain, potentially completing a historic Korean football lineage at the club.
European football outlet On the Minute reported on January 14 (KST) that "Tottenham has shown interest in acquiring Lee Kang-in." The report also mentioned that Spurs and Nottingham Forest are joining the transfer race against Manchester United and Newcastle United, who had previously expressed interest in the Korean midfielder.
Lee Kang-in has cemented his position at PSG with his exceptional skills. Known for his creative passing and playmaking abilities, he has contributed significantly as both a midfielder and a winger. In a recent match against Saint-Étienne, Lee played a full 90 minutes, creating seven scoring chances, achieving a 94% pass accuracy, and recording his third assist of the season.
Lee’s defensive contributions have also improved significantly during his stints with Mallorca and PSG, frequently breaking up opposition plays deep in wide areas.
Premier League Clubs Join the Chase
Lee Kang-in has caught the attention of several English Premier League clubs.
Manchester United was the first to express interest, with Tutto Mercato reporting that scouts have attended PSG matches to observe Lee. United reportedly sees him as a perfect fit for coach Ruben Amorim’s wing-centric tactics.
Arsenal has also shown interest, with The Athletic highlighting Lee’s openness to new challenges. Spanish outlet Relevo noted that his style aligns well with Arsenal’s approach.
Newcastle United has joined the race, aiming to strengthen their squad for both Premier League and Champions League campaigns. Coach Eddie Howe has praised Lee’s playmaking and experience.
Now, Tottenham Hotspur is vying for Lee to address their lack of creativity in midfield and on the wings. Pairing him with captain Son Heung-min is seen as a move that could generate significant synergy.
A Special Connection with Korean Football
Tottenham has a strong history with Korean players, having signed Lee Young-pyo in the past and currently featuring Son Heung-min as the team’s iconic star. Recently, they added promising 17-year-old talent Yang Min-hyeok. If Lee Kang-in joins, it could mark the Premier League’s first-ever “Korean Trio.”
The prospect of Lee and Son teaming up has ignited excitement among fans. Their chemistry in the Korean national team, combining Lee’s creativity and Son’s scoring prowess, has already proven formidable. Adding Yang Min-hyeok could inject fresh energy into Tottenham’s attacking lineup.
PSG’s Reluctance to Let Go
Despite the mounting interest, PSG is reportedly unwilling to part with Lee Kang-in. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated, “PSG has no plans to let Lee Kang-in leave despite interest from Premier League clubs.” French media also predict that PSG will attempt to retain Lee by negotiating a new contract.
As the transfer saga unfolds, the possibility of a "Korean Trio" at Tottenham continues to captivate football fans worldwide.