Juventus have entered the race for Kangin Lee, handing Paris Saint Germain a potentially decisive advantage in negotiations as Atletico Madrid continue to work on a deal for the South Korea international.
The Serie A giants have identified Lee as a viable alternative to Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, whose return to Italy now appears increasingly unlikely . Juventus are already in discussions with PSG over a potential return for Randal Kolo Muani, and it is understood that the French champions could be tempted to listen to offers for Lee this summer .
A competitive market strengthens PSG’s hand
The timing is significant. Atletico have long been framed as the club most aligned with Lee, with reports in Spain suggesting that personal terms between the player and the Madrid side have already been finalised . The unresolved point has been the fee, with PSG seeking a stronger return than Atletico’s preferred structure of approximately €25 million .
Juventus’s intervention changes the dynamic. Lee is not an unwanted squad filler; he is a technically sharp, versatile attacker with World Cup visibility, a contract running to 2028, and considerable commercial appeal in Asia . For PSG, a second serious suitor reduces the danger of being dragged into a single buyer negotiation.
Why Lee is available
Lee made just 18 starts across all competitions for PSG last season, with no starting appearances in the Champions League knockout stages, despite the club winning back to back European titles . The 25 year old, who joined from Mallorca for €22 million in 2023, is understood to be seeking more regular playing time .
Luis Enrique, who blocked Lee’s departure last summer, now appears willing to sanction a sale . PSG are reportedly already scouting replacements, with AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomandé among the names under consideration .
Luis Enrique’s squad building question remains straightforward: if Lee leaves, PSG need the fee to reflect his profile, not just his minutes. Juventus may have arrived late, but their presence could be exactly what strengthens PSG’s hand as the transfer window heats up.
