PSG Transfer Window: Kang-In Lee sold to Atlético, Diomandé and Akliouche at the centre of a double standoff

Kang-In Lee leaves PSG for Atlético Madrid

The wait is over for the South Korean midfielder. Atlético Madrid have confirmed the signing of Kang-In Lee, who is contracted to the Madrid club until 2031. The deal is reported to be worth 35 million euros, including bonuses, for a player who arrived from Mallorca in 2023.

Kang-In Lee's record at PSG remains solid on paper: 124 appearances and two Champions League titles. However, he never managed to establish himself durably in Luis Enrique's starting eleven, fluctuating between strong individual performances and lengthy spells on the fringes. His transfer allows the capital club to cash in a substantial fee for a player who had become peripheral within the squad.

Yan Diomandé: Real Madrid overtake PSG

In this case, the tide has turned in the space of just a few days. PSG appeared to be well-placed to sign the Ivorian winger from RB Leipzig, with a preliminary agreement even having been mentioned on the player's side. Real Madrid changed the picture by going on the offensive, and several Spanish and German sources now place the Merengue club in pole position.

Diomandé's value has exploded in a single Bundesliga season. Signed for 20 million euros last summer, he is now estimated to be worth around 90 million. For Paris, losing this race would mean having to redirect their attacking recruitment strategy just a few weeks before the season resumes.

Maghnes Akliouche: Liverpool enter the race

A third case, with the same logic of heightened competition. PSG have been in negotiations with AS Monaco for several weeks over Maghnes Akliouche, but talks have stalled. Liverpool have seized the opportunity to join the race, with a stated intention to get ahead of Paris if the Parisian hierarchy does not make a decision quickly.

Akliouche established himself as one of Ligue 1's most sought-after attacking profiles following his season in the Principality. His departure from Monaco now appears to be a foregone conclusion; it remains to be seen which club he will join.

What this means for PSG

Three cases, three different dynamics: one confirmed sale, one race that appears to be lost, and one negotiation dragging on. The Parisian club must act quickly on the Akliouche situation to avoid repeating the Diomandé scenario. The sale of Kang-In Lee, on the other hand, provides them with additional financial room to seal one of these two deals before the transfer window closes.