World Cup opening week fuels transfer buzz for Lee Kang-in, Lee Han-beom

Korea's Lee Kang-in dribbles the ball during a 2026 World Cup Group A match against Mexico at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, Thursday. Yonhap

The opening week of the 2026 World Cup has sparked early transfer speculation around Korea's Lee Kang-in and Lee Han-beom, with European clubs reportedly watching the pair.

Spanish outlet Sport said Wednesday that FC Barcelona sporting director Deco recently met Javi Garrido, Lee Kang-in's agent, and that the 25-year-old Paris Saint-Germain midfielder's name came up during transfer talks. Deco also met the father of 23-year-old Valencia player Javi Guerra.

The report did not say Barcelona had made a formal move to sign Lee Kang-in, but noted the club is watching developments alongside Atletico Madrid, which is also reported to be interested. Barcelona's current roster includes 19-year-old Lamine Yamal and 30-year-old Raphinha.

Transfermarkt puts Lee Kang-in's value at 28 million euros ($32.1 million) making him the highest-valued player in Group A. He ranks ahead of teammates Son Heung-min, 34, of LAFC at 15 million euros, and Kim Min-jae, 30, of Bayern Munich at 20 million euros.

A chart generated by artificial intelligence shows the transfer market values of top South Korean football players Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-jae and Son Heung-min.

His on-field performance has lived up to expectations. According to data company Gradient Sports, Lee Kang-in ranked first in pass completion rate among players in the tournament's first 12 matches, with an overall score of 85.9. He also earned high marks for passing under pressure, creating chances and key passes.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Lee Han-beom, who made his World Cup debut against the Czech Republic, has reportedly attracted interest from European clubs after showing defensive discipline. U.S. broadcaster Fox Sports said his performance in the win over Czechia raised interest from Premier League clubs, including Liverpool and Chelsea. British outlet TeamTalk said German and Italian clubs are also interested, adding that Denmark's FC Midtjylland is increasingly likely to sell him during the summer transfer window.

Korea's Lee Han-beom goes for the ball during a 2026 World Cup Group A match against Czechia at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, Friday. Korea Times photo by Choi Joo-yeon

Standing 190 centimeters tall, Lee Han-beom was a strong presence, even against physically imposing players such as 30-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick.

Since leaving FC Seoul for FC Midtjylland in 2023, the defender has shown steady growth. He recently headed in the winner in the Danish Cup final, helping his team lift the trophy for the first time in four years. European scouts put a high value on his defensive skills and tactical flexibility.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.