'Genius' Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) erased PSG.
Lee Kang-in deleted PSG from his social media profile on the 6th. This comes shortly after reports emerged that he directly requested a transfer from the PSG club, drawing attention. There are suggestions that this indirectly shows Lee Kang-in's decision to end his relationship with PSG.
French publication L'Équipe extensively covered Lee Kang-in's transfer rumors in an article on the 4th titled 'Did Lee Kang-in hold back just before an explosion? PSG remains silent as it rises.' The media outlet reported, 'Is Lee Kang-in going to Arsenal? Or is it Newcastle? Lee Kang-in wants guaranteed playing time.'
L'Équipe reporter Loïc Tanzi explained, 'PSG and Lee Kang-in will discuss their future after the season. The ace of the South Korean national team, Lee Kang-in has completely lost his position at PSG. Coach Luis Enrique has not been giving Lee Kang-in many opportunities to play recently. Lee Kang-in has also expressed a desire to part ways with PSG.'
Recently, Lee Kang-in's playing opportunities at PSG have drastically decreased. Coach Enrique appointed Lee Kang-in as a starter for the first time in a while for the match against Strasbourg on the 4th. Ahead of the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal on the 8th, he opted to field mostly reserve players instead of key personnel. Even with Ousmane Dembélé's injury, Lee Kang-in was not considered a core player.
PSG will face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg, held at 4 a.m. (Korean time) on the 8th at their home ground, Parc des Princes in Paris, France. PSG holds an advantageous position, having won the away first leg 1-0.
Lee Kang-in is likely to be absent. He started in the match against Strasbourg on the 5th but was substituted after playing only 45 minutes due to a left shin injury. There are projections that Lee Kang-in will not be able to play in the match against Arsenal.
Ironically, Lee Kang-in's absence is even more unfortunate given the transfer rumors regarding Arsenal. He lost the opportunity to make a strong impression on a club linked to his transfer due to his injury. If Lee Kang-in wears an Arsenal red jersey, he will become the second South Korean player after Park Ji-sung.
French media Planet PSG noted on the 4th, 'Lee Kang-in, who lacks playing time, is likely to leave PSG after the season. Lee Kang-in has not been able to secure playing time in crucial matches. He has expressed a desire to leave PSG. His request for more playing time will not be accommodated. If Lee Kang-in receives an interesting offer this summer, the chances of him staying at PSG are low,' mentioning the possibility of a transfer to Arsenal.
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