The most important stage finds Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) out again.
PSG will face Arsenal in the first leg of the semi-finals of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium in London, England, at 4 a.m. (Korea time) on the 30th.
Arsenal advanced to the semi-finals after defeating the 'defending champion' Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals. PSG got past Aston Villa 5-4 in the quarter-finals.
Ahead of the showdown, PSG manager Luis Enrique revealed his ambitions at an official press conference on the 28th. He noted, "I don’t care at all if everyone criticizes me. I watched the Arsenal game, and we are the more complete team. We will make history anew."
Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, said, "We are a team that has also beaten Liverpool. Liverpool won the Premier League title. I don’t know about a short-term battle. We are full of confidence," pledging victory.
It seems that Enrique will not use Lee Kang-in as a starter in the semi-finals either. Lee Kang-in was absent from the starting lineup predicted by 'FootMob.' PSG is expected to use Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Marco Verratti, Luis, Vitinha, and Neves. Lee Kang-in is likely to be used as a joker from the bench.
If Lee Kang-in is not used on an important stage, rumors about his transfer from PSG will likely resurface. He sat on the bench during the match against Nice on the 26th but did not get a chance to play. After appearing for 73 minutes against Le Havre on the 19th, he has not had a chance for over a week. There are also concerns about his match readiness.
PSG will play the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal on the 30th. At this rate, it seems Lee Kang-in will not be utilized in the Arsenal match either. Lee Kang-in appears to be excluded from Enrique's tactical plans.
'Foot Mercato' reported, "Lee Kang-in is under contract with PSG until 2028. However, with his playing opportunities being inconsistent, rumors of a transfer have arisen. There are various speculations. It is said that PSG might transfer Lee Kang-in this summer."
'PSG Inside' also noted, "There is no official news, but the possibility of Lee Kang-in transferring this summer is high. The market changes quickly. There is a significant chance that questions will arise for Lee Kang-in today. The competition at PSG is fierce. If a new player comes in, competition will become even more intense."
British outlet 'Give Me Sport' reported, "Lee Kang-in of PSG has not had many starts this season. Manchester United is interested in signing Lee Kang-in. They have placed the Korean midfielder on their potential acquisition list. PSG is considering a transfer fee of £40 million (approximately 75.7 billion won) for Lee Kang-in."
Other Premier League teams, such as Newcastle and Crystal Palace, are also interested in Lee Kang-in. The match against Arsenal could serve as a showcase for Lee Kang-in's transfer.
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