Ultimately, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) did not receive a proper opportunity again. This is why the rumors about a transfer to Manchester United have resurfaced.

PSG defeated Olympique de Marseille 3-1 in the home game of Round 26 of Ligue 1 for the 2024-2025 season held at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on the 17th (Korean time).

Thus, the most successful team in Ligue 1, PSG, recorded 68 points, marking their 13th championship and moving one step closer to a fourth consecutive title. They even have a chance at an unbeaten championship. Currently, PSG is unbeaten in the opening 26 matches (21 wins, 5 draws). Now, the gap with second-placed Marseille (49 points) has widened to 19 points.

Lee Kang-in stepped on the pitch as a substitute in the last minutes of the match. He entered the field in the 35th minute of the second half, replacing Ousmane Dembélé, and played for about 10 minutes excluding stoppage time.

As soon as he was substituted, Lee Kang-in had a sharp left-footed shot but was stopped by the goalkeeper's save. He appeared light on his feet after that, but he was unable to contribute to the attack. Nevertheless, it was positive that he collaborated well with Achraf Hakimi on the right side, leading the attack.

However, his performance was insufficient to change his recently narrowed position. Lee Kang-in has not been able to gain starting opportunities as he has been pushed out in the competition for starting positions in the second half of the season. He has started only twice in the last 10 matches. His scoring has also been halted since October of last year. This is why transfer rumors have been continuously circulating in France.

Matteo Moreto of Spain's Relevo reported on the 16th that "Spanish agent Javier Garido watched many matches in the UK this week. He met with several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Everton. It remains to be seen whether this trip will lead to discussions about the summer transfer market in the coming months."

Garido is well-known as Lee Kang-in's agent. Moreto explained, "Garido represents Lee Kang-in, Abdel Ezzalzouli (Real Betis), Harvey Guera (Valencia), Inaki Peña (Barcelona), and Jesús Fortea (Real Madrid)."

Moreto is one of the most reputable journalists in Spain. In particular, he has shown affection for Lee Kang-in while covering Mallorca. During the 2022-2023 season, he quickly reported on transfer rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in, drawing significant attention.

This is why many Korean fans are paying attention to reports of Garido's trip to the UK. Among the players he manages, none are more notable in Europe than Lee Kang-in. He is the most likely candidate desired by big Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.

In fact, Lee Kang-in was also linked to the Premier League in the last winter transfer market. At that time, teams reportedly interested in Lee Kang-in included not just Arsenal and Manchester United, but also Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Nottingham Forest.

Relevo stated, "Arsenal really likes Lee Kang-in. So far, there has been no official conversation. However, Lee Kang-in fits the profile of Arsenal. Manchester United and Newcastle are also monitoring his situation." The British outlet 'The Athletic' also stated that Lee Kang-in is one of the candidates for Arsenal's signing.

Lee Kang-in was pushed to the bench after Hvica Kvaratskhelia joined the team. Ousmane Dembélé has been making insane performances and was designated as the new striker, while Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola have also gained the trust of Coach Enrique.

Ultimately, Lee Kang-in has become a rotational player without securing a starting position, whether as a central midfielder or a winger. He did not participate at all in the first leg of the Round of 16 match against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and was only brought in during extra time in the second leg. This is evidence of how much his position has narrowed.

In France, there are constant reports that PSG will sell Lee Kang-in this coming summer. French outlet 'Foot 01' reported earlier this month, "Lee Kang-in and PSG will part ways! He is likely spending his last few weeks at PSG because the club has decided to part ways with him this summer."

It continued, "Lee Kang-in has never been a certain starter in Coach Enrique's eyes. Nevertheless, he has been working as a luxury joker for a long time, but he has disappeared from the team in recent weeks. His appearances have decreased, and his playing time is getting shorter and shorter," adding that "according to 'PSG Inside Actus', there is no doubt about Lee Kang-in's release this summer. The sale of Lee Kang-in has reportedly been decided by the PSG board."

Lee Kang-in is already considered "almost certain to leave." Foot 01 added, "Having spent two years at PSG, Lee Kang-in has ultimately found himself in a situation where he must leave. While the contract runs until June 2028 and he receives an annual salary of about 7 million euros (10.9 billion won), it remains uncertain how easily he will pack his bags. This amount is reasonable compared to the scale of the PSG locker room, but it is likely to be hard to earn that much in a smaller club."

Furthermore, reports have emerged that Lee Kang-in's agent visited Manchester United, increasing expectations that he might don a Manchester United jersey. Currently, Manchester United is reassembling the team under Coach Ruben Amorim. Marcus Rashford has already been loaned to Aston Villa, and Alejandro Garnacho's future is also uncertain.

Give Me Sports noted, "Manchester United is somewhat lacking in offensive power, and the departures of Garnacho and Rashford are imminent. Old Trafford needs a new striker. Since Lee Kang-in has not solidified a starting spot at PSG, he may have an interest in a transfer to Manchester United. He could be the first signing under Amorim's regime."

Additionally, "Currently, Manchester United has only Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes as threats. Acquiring Lee Kang-in may be what they need at the final third," and emphasized that "if finances permit, Manchester United will face fierce competition surrounding Lee Kang-in, who still has suitors across Europe. The competition to sign him is expected to heat up in the coming weeks."

Meanwhile, after wrapping up his club schedule, Lee Kang-in is now set to move to Korea to join the national team. The team, led by Coach Hong Myung-bo, is scheduled to play back-to-back matches in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Oman on the 20th and Jordan on the 25th.

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