Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) is being considered to start as a defensive midfielder in the match against Nantes.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will face Nantes in an away game for Round 30 of the 2024-2025 Ligue 1 season at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, France, at 3:45 a.m. on the 23rd (Korean time).
The match against Nantes has virtually no meaning for PSG (24 wins, 5 draws), who have already secured the league championship early. It remains to be seen if they can continue their unbeaten streak.
PSG is focused on preparing for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) semifinals. After defeating Liverpool and Aston Villa, PSG will clash with Arsenal in the semifinals. If they reach the final, they will face either Barcelona or Inter Milan. The club is challenging for its first UCL title in history.
Having fallen behind in the competition for a starting position this season, Lee Kang-in is likely to participate in the remaining league matches. He is expected to be utilized under Coach Luis Enrique’s rotation strategy. The match against Nantes serves as an appropriate test to elevate the form of the substitute players.
On the 20th, Lee Kang-in made his first start in a long time in the match against Le Havre, achieving his 50th appearance in Ligue 1.
The focus is on what position Lee Kang-in will take in the match against Nantes. In the match against Le Havre, Lee Kang-in took on the unfamiliar role of a defensive midfielder. This has become a topic of discussion in France, and related questions were raised at the pre-match press conference. Coach Enrique responded, "We will see him back in that position."
He added, "Lee Kang-in is proficient in both short and long passes. Although it's not an ideal position, he needs to improve defensively," and noted, "I hope the players grow mentally by stepping out of their familiar positions." This suggests that if Lee Kang-in plays in the match against Nantes, he will indeed have defensive midfielder duties.
Lee Kang-in has not gained an advantage in competition against Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola, and Dzeire Due. As a result, he is being used experimentally in an unfamiliar position despite being an attacking resource.
Transfer rumors are still circulating. PSG rejected interest from Premier League clubs in Lee Kang-in last winter, but the atmosphere has changed recently. With his position now precarious, there is analysis that a transfer this summer could become a reality.
On the other hand, there are claims that the PSG management is considering extending Lee Kang-in's contract. They seem to want to keep him as a tactical asset who can play various positions within the team. Some speculate that he could be loaned out after re-signing.
The possibility of a transfer to the Premier League remains open. Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Saudi Arabian clubs have shown interest. Especially, Manchester United is seeking creative resources.
The British outlet 'Give Me Sport' reported that Manchester United is targeting up to five players in the summer transfer market. Lee Kang-in can be utilized on both the wing and in the center, and he can play in various positions within coach Ruben Amorim's three-back system.
'Give Me Sport' analyzed, "Old Trafford needs a new attacker. Lee Kang-in could be the answer in the final third."
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