Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) hinted at something by deleting the name of his team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), from his social media profile.
On the 6th (Korea time), Lee deleted the PSG phrase that was in his Instagram bio. While the photo he had uploaded with his PSG teammates remains, the team name is gone. Naturally, fans interpreted that Lee, who has been swept up in recent transfer rumors, has left another hint about a transfer.
Lee is active on social media but has made almost no changes to his profile. In fact, he removed the Mallorca team name from his Instagram when he was at Mallorca before moving to PSG. This incident is also viewed as a sign that a farewell to PSG is approaching.
Currently, Lee is at the center of intense transfer speculation. Recently, Spain's 'Estadio Deportivo' reported, "Preparation to end the journey with Lee Kang-in is complete. PSG has allowed Lee's transfer as they prepare for the next season. Arsenal is showing interest in him, and his valuation has already been set."
The media stated, "Lee Kang-in will leave PSG this summer. PSG is facing the most important moment in its history. Having already confirmed the league title weeks ago, PSG's challenge is to win the UEFA Champions League (UCL). It is uncertain what will happen in the second leg of the semifinals against Arsenal, but the PSG board is already focusing on the future and team composition," noting that PSG is planning for the summer transfer market.
Lee left Mallorca in Spain last summer to don the PSG jersey. He caught the eye of Director Luis Campos and was signed on a five-year contract with high expectations. At that time, the transfer fee was around €22 million (approximately 34.5 billion won). After a reasonably successful first season, Lee seemed to gain even more trust from coach Luis Enrique this season.
Until the early part of the season, Lee showcased his versatility by taking on various roles, including 'false nine,' right winger, and central midfielder. He also accumulated several attacking points, eyeing career highs. However, since the winter transfer window, his presence in the team has significantly diminished. With new arrivals aggressively pushing forward, Lee has fallen behind in the competition for a starting spot.
Now, he has become more of a rotation player without securing a starting spot as either a central midfielder or a winger. In fact, Lee has consistently remained on the bench even on the crucial UCL stage. Since the tournament began, he has totaled only 16 minutes of playtime. He was not even utilized as a bench member in the recent match against Arsenal.
Naturally, transfer rumors persist. France's 'Sport' stated, "Lee was brought in to solidify his position in the PSG midfield, but he has not become an indispensable player. PSG's board is considering selling Lee to make room for new reinforcements."
Lee's performance this season stands at 43 matches with 6 goals and 6 assists. However, 24 of those matches were as a starter and 19 were as a substitute. His total playing time is 2,307 minutes, ranking 14th on the team. Particularly, as his standing has diminished in the second half, he has practically vanished from the UCL stage, increasing the likelihood of a transfer.
From the player's perspective, a transfer is desired. Lee has no choice but to feel dissatisfaction. According to the prominent French newspaper 'L'Équipe,' he wants more opportunities in important matches. However, as the team is doing well, he is enduring the situation without causing any problems. PSG and Lee plan to discuss his future after the season ends.
Now, PSG is open to selling Lee. They rejected an offer from Arsenal in the last winter transfer window, but now they are willing to allow a transfer if a reasonable offer comes in. Moreover, a realistic transfer fee has been established. L'Équipe reported that a fee of €20 million (approximately 31.7 billion won) could enable PSG to sit at the negotiation table.
Until January, PSG wanted double the price they paid Mallorca for Lee in 2023, which was €22 million (approximately 34.7 billion won), but they have halved their demands in just six months. The likely destination is the Premier League. In fact, several clubs, including Arsenal, inquired about Lee's transfer last winter, but PSG rejected all offers.
Lee is linked not only to Arsenal but also to Manchester United, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and Tottenham Hotspur. At that time, Italy's 'Tutto Mercato' reported, "Newcastle and Manchester United have sent scouts several times to observe Lee. The two teams have inquired for information and will attempt to make a purchase. Initial contact has already been made, with his valuation reaching around €40 million (approximately 60.4 billion won). The amount may change once negotiations begin."
France's 'Foot 01' also reported, "Manchester United, with significantly greater financial power than Palace, is also competing to acquire Lee. Coach Ruben Amorim highly values him. Amorim believes Lee can contribute to his tactical system." Furthermore, Lee's agent, Javier Garrido, visited England last month to hold talks with Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton, and others, thus fueling the rumors.
Among them, Arsenal is strongly linked to Lee. Arsenal, who wanted Lee last winter, might move again. It has been reported that manager Mikel Arteta attempted to acquire Lee amid multiple injuries among his attacking players, including Bukayo Saka.
Estadio Deportivo stated, "Arsenal is knocking on the door. They will welcome Lee's addition starting next season. Arsenal will have no difficulty bringing Lee in for the price PSG wants. This will be a special request from manager Mikel Arteta."
Lee is eager to return ahead of the upcoming match against Arsenal and the second leg of the UCL. If he can return healthily and finish the match without issues, the love calls for him could intensify.
[Photo] Lee Kang-in, World of Football, PSG, 365 Scores social media.
[OSEN]