Finally, an opportunity has come for Lee Kang-in (24, PSG), who has been classified as a surplus.

PSG won 1-0 against Arsenal in the first leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League semifinals held at Emirates Stadium in London, England, on the 30th (Korean time). With this win in the away first leg, PSG has secured an advantageous position for advancing to the final.

It is a regrettable situation. Lee Kang-in was waiting on the bench but ultimately did not get a chance to play. Although PSG led 1-0, it was essential to score as many goals as possible for an advantage. Coach Luis Enrique substituted Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, and Zaire Emery in the second half but gave no opportunities to Lee Kang-in.

PSG operated in a 4-3-3 formation. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué led the attack. The midfield consisted of Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and João Neves. The defense included Nuno Mendes, William Pacho, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi, while Gianluigi Donnarumma protected the goal. Lee Kang-in, who was named on the substitute list, ultimately did not step onto the pitch.

PSG struck early, scoring the opening goal just 4 minutes into the match, gaining the upper hand. Dembélé finished off a pass from Kvaratskhelia, who broke through the left wing, with a left-footed shot, shaking the net.

Although PSG captured the away first leg, an emergency was declared. Striker Dembélé, who tasted the goal in the first leg, suffered a hamstring injury. Dembélé will be unable to participate in the second leg on May 8 in Paris.

Luis Enrique, PSG's coach, noted, "First, I will check if Dembélé can participate. We are one team. If he cannot play, another player will step in. It's not serious, but I will conduct a TES tomorrow. His participation in the second leg is doubtful," while preparing for Dembélé's absence.

In the first leg, Dembélé played for 70 minutes before being substituted for Barcola. Barcola now has a high chance of starting in the second leg. There is also a strong possibility that Lee Kang-in will get an opportunity for the remaining spot.

Currently, it seems that Lee Kang-in is excluded from coach Enrique's plans. With PSG not utilizing Lee Kang-in in critical matches, transfer rumors have resurfaced. Lee Kang-in waited on the bench during the match against Nice on the 26th but had no chance to play. He has gone over a week without an opportunity since playing 73 minutes against Le Havre on the 19th. There are concerns about his match fitness.

'Foot Mercato' reported, "Lee Kang-in is contracted with PSG until 2028. However, with his playing opportunities being sporadic, transfer speculation has been raised again. There are various rumors. It is said that PSG is considering transferring Lee Kang-in this summer."

Premier League teams have shown consistent interest. Other Premier League clubs, such as Newcastle and Crystal Palace, are also interested in Lee Kang-in.

'Give Me Sport' reported, "Lee Kang-in of PSG has not been able to play much as a starter this season. Manchester United is interested in acquiring Lee Kang-in. They have listed the South Korean midfielder as a potential target. PSG is considering a transfer fee of £40 million (about 75.7 billion won) for Lee Kang-in."

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