In PSG's power strategy, Lee Kang-in (24, PSG) was absent.

PSG lost 2-3 to the home team Aston Villa in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the 2024-2025 season UEFA Champions League, held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, at 4 a.m. on the 16th (Korea time).

PSG, which won the first leg 3-1, advanced to the semifinals with a total score of 6-5. Lee Kang-in returned from injury and waited on the bench but did not play.

Lee Kang-in remained on the bench during the first leg but did not play. He has recovered from an ankle injury sustained during the March international match period and recently returned to team training. However, he only sat on the bench during the first leg and did not step onto the field. Lee Kang-in achieved 6 goals and 5 assists in the league but has seen his opportunities significantly reduced recently.

Lee Kang-in was also excluded from the starting lineup for the second leg. PSG deployed a front trio of Bakola, Dembélé, and Kvaratskhelia. Luis, Vitinha, and Neves occupied the midfield. There was no place for Lee Kang-in.

It is a difficult decision to understand. Lee Kang-in returned from injury and has been training normally. There are no issues with his physical condition. PSG's official social media noted, "Lee Kang-in shone at training. He is prepared for the Villa match."

However, there was still no playing time for Lee Kang-in in the second leg. Whenever he plays, he consistently achieves good records. This season, despite limited playing time and injuries, Lee Kang-in has recorded 6 goals and 5 assists. Out of the 26 league matches he participated in, he started 15 times. Among those, he was substituted before completing the full 90 minutes in 12 matches. Lee Kang-in mainly entered as a substitute in the second half on 11 occasions.

As manager Enrique does not give opportunities to Lee Kang-in, transfer rumors continue to arise. Among those, the Premier League transfer rumor is gaining traction. Spain's 'El Desmarque' reported, "Lee Kang-in's agent, Javier Garrido, met with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton, Crystal Palace, and others in England."

If Lee Kang-in goes to Manchester United, it would be a huge event. He would become the second South Korean player to wear the red uniform, following Park Ji-sung. The moment when Lee Kang-in, unable to play at PSG, decides is drawing near.

[OSEN]