Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is actively pursuing a contract extension with rising star Désiré Doué (20), while the position of Lee Kang-in (24) within the team is relatively diminishing.

On the 21st (Korea time), European transfer market expert Sascha Tavolieri reported on social media (SNS) that Doué has decided to align his future with PSG, which is expected to lead to a new form of contract.

PSG plans to offer Doué a new contract that significantly increases his salary and extends the contract period by one year. Doué's salary, currently at 6 million euros (about 9.8 billion won), is expected to rise considerably. The contract was originally set to expire in June 2029 but is likely to extend until June 2030.

Doué has shown remarkable growth this season. After joining PSG from Stade Rennais last summer, Doué had only 1 goal and 3 assists last year in Ligue 1. However, Doué has exploded with 5 goals and 4 assists this year. He has recorded a total of 13 goals and 12 assists in 45 matches this season.

Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, has shown great interest in Doué. However, Doué has firmly expressed his desire to 'stay with PSG,' impressing the club. Before joining PSG, Doué was linked with Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Tottenham.

Manager Luis Enrique has classified Doué as a core strength. Doué can play as a winger, attacking midfielder, central midfielder, or second striker.

Relatively, Lee Kang-in has begun to lose his place. Although Lee Kang-in can occupy a similar position to Doué, manager Enrique has favored Doué first. Consequently, Lee Kang-in has frequently found himself sitting on the bench.

At the same time, with the winter transfer market bringing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, Lee Kang-in's priorities have shifted. Moreover, due to an ankle injury sustained on the 20th of last month during the third qualifiers for Oman and the Asian region, Lee Kang-in has been sidelined for a while.

Then on the 20th, Lee Kang-in faced a new test from manager Enrique, playing as a defensive midfielder in the Ligue 1 match against Le Havre on matchday 30. As Doué gradually preferred central movement from the flanks, Lee Kang-in's position has been pushed back to the third line.

PSG fans are also supporting their domestic star Doué. Less than a year after joining PSG, he ranked first in uniform sales last month, surpassing Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi, and Ousmane Dembélé.

In the meantime, a conflict between Lee Kang-in and Doué was captured during a corner kick situation in the 33rd minute of the first half against Le Havre. Doué was preparing to take the corner kick, but Lee Kang-in approached and moved the ball's position before taking the kick.

In the process, a startled Doué raised his arms to express his displeasure toward Lee Kang-in. However, Lee Kang-in executed the corner kick without making eye contact with Doué.

Originally, the designated corner kick taker was Lee Kang-in. However, local Paris fans are siding with their promising domestic player Doué. There were issues with Lee Kang-in outright ignoring Doué.

PSG has already confirmed the Ligue 1 title early. Now, focusing on the club's longstanding desire for the UEFA Champions League title, PSG considers Doué to be central. Should Doué extend his contract, changes are expected within PSG, which will significantly impact Lee Kang-in's future and trajectory.

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