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

The opening week of the 2026 World Cup has sparked transfer speculation around Korean players Lee Kang-in and Lee Han-beom, with FC Barcelona reportedly meeting Lee Kang-in's agent. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are monitoring Lee Kang-in, whose market value of 28 million euros makes him the highest-valued player in Group A.

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. His on-field performance has lived up to expectations. According to data company Gradient Sports, Lee Kang-i