Juventus Eye Lee Kang-in as Brahim Diaz Alternative Amid Atletico Madrid Interest

FolioPitch.com – 26 June 2026 | In the latest twist of the summer transfer window, Juventus identify an alternative to Brahim Diaz but face competition from Atletico Madrid. According to reports from Italy, the Bianconeri are turning their attention to Paris Saint-Germain forward Lee Kang-in as a potential fallback option should a deal for Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz prove impossible.

Juventus have been heavily linked with Diaz for weeks, with manager Luciano Spalletti reportedly viewing the Moroccan international as the ideal addition to bolster the attack alongside a new centre-forward to replace the outgoing Dusan Vlahovic. However, recent updates from Calciomercato.com suggest that Diaz is now leaning towards staying at Real Madrid, complicating Juventus’ plans. As a result, the club has been forced to explore alternative targets, and Lee Kang-in has emerged as a viable ‘Plan B’.

This development underscores how Juventus identify an alternative to Brahim Diaz but face competition from Atletico Madrid, who have also expressed strong interest in the South Korean international. The Spanish side reportedly have an agreement in principle on personal terms with Lee, though no deal has been reached with PSG. Juventus, meanwhile, are already in discussions with the Parisians over a potential return for striker Randal Kolo Muani, and sources indicate that PSG could be open to selling Lee this summer given his limited starting role in the 2025-26 season—just 18 starts across all competitions.

Lee, who is under contract with PSG until 2028 and earns a reported €4 million per season, would be a financially feasible target for Juventus. The French club paid €22 million to sign him from Mallorca in 2023, and a similar fee could be enough to secure his transfer. At just 22 years old, Lee offers versatility, creativity, and a goal threat from midfield or the wing, qualities that align with Spalletti’s tactical needs.

The competition from Atletico Madrid adds urgency to Juventus’ pursuit. While Atletico have a personal agreement with the player, they have yet to negotiate a fee with PSG, leaving the door open for Juventus to swoop in. However, the Bianconeri must act quickly to avoid losing out on another target. As they evaluate their options, it is clear that Juventus identify an alternative to Brahim Diaz but face competition from Atletico Madrid, setting the stage for a potential transfer battle.

Juventus’ interest in Lee is part of a broader strategy to reinforce the squad after a disappointing season. The club has already secured the signing of defender Ricardo Calafiori and is working on several other deals. Adding a dynamic attacker like Lee would provide an immediate boost and align with the club’s long-term vision. With Atletico Madrid also in the fray, the next few weeks will be crucial for Juventus to finalize their plans. Whether they will succeed in landing Lee Kang-in remains to be seen, but the fact that Juventus identify an alternative to Brahim Diaz but face competition from Atletico Madrid highlights the competitive nature of the transfer market.

In conclusion, the race for Lee Kang-in is heating up as Juventus and Atletico Madrid both vie for his signature. Juventus have made their move, but Atletico’s early personal agreement gives them an edge. The coming days will determine whether Juventus can outmaneuver their Spanish rivals and secure the talented South Korean as their new attacking asset.