It’s a crisis for Paris Saint-Germain, but it’s an opportunity for Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain).

Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal in the second leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Champions League semifinals at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on May 8. Paris Saint-Germain secured a favorable position with a 1-0 victory in the first leg held in London on the 30th. If Paris Saint-Germain draws at home in the second leg, they will advance to the final.

The hero of the victory was Ousmane Dembélé. In the 4th minute, Dembélé scored the opening goal with an assist from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. However, Dembélé played only 70 minutes before being substituted by Barcola due to a hamstring injury.

Eventually, a major problem arose. Dembélé became unlikely to participate in the second leg.

Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain's coach, noted, "First, we will check if Dembélé can participate. We are a team. If he cannot play, another player will go out. It’s not serious, but I will test him tomorrow. His participation in the second leg is doubtful," as he prepared for Dembélé's absence.

Due to Dembélé's injury, the possibility of Lee Kang-in getting an opportunity in the second leg has increased significantly. Currently, it seems that Kang-in is absent from Enrique's strategic plans. Paris Saint-Germain is not utilizing Kang-in on such an important stage.

However, due to Dembélé's injury, Enrique has been placed in a situation where he cannot avoid using Kang-in. Kang-in was on the bench during the match against Nice on the 26th but did not have a chance to play. He has not had an opportunity for more than a week since playing 73 minutes against Le Havre on the 19th, resulting in a significant decline in his match fitness.

This is also a good opportunity for Lee Kang-in, who is at the center of transfer speculation. "Foot Mercato" reported, "Lee Kang-in is contracted with Paris Saint-Germain until 2028. However, with the irregularity of his playing opportunities, transfer rumors have resurfaced. There are various rumors. Paris Saint-Germain is said to be considering transferring Kang-in this summer," exploring the possibilities.

The British outlet "Give Me Sport" stated, "Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain has not played much as a starter this season. Manchester United is interested in acquiring Kang-in. They have listed the Korean midfielder as a potential transfer target. Paris Saint-Germain is considering a transfer fee of £40 million (approximately 75.7 billion won) for Kang-in," raising expectations.

Ultimately, even if Lee Kang-in transfers, if he performs spectacularly on big stages like the Champions League, it will be an opportunity to raise his market value. Other Premier League teams, including Newcastle and Crystal Palace, have also expressed consistent interest in Kang-in.

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