PSG has no intention of using Lee Kang-in (24, PSG).
PSG won 2-1 against Arsenal in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals for the 2024-2025 season at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on the 8th (Korean time).
After winning the first leg 1-0, PSG advanced to the finals with two victories. Their final opponent is Inter Milan, which defeated Barcelona with one win and one draw.
Lee Kang-in was on the substitute list but did not get a chance to play. After PSG took a 2-0 lead in the second half, head coach Luis Enrique substituted two players, but Lee was not chosen.
Lee Kang-in injured his thigh in the match against Strasbourg on the 4th and was substituted after playing only the first half. However, being included in the substitute list indicates that there were no issues with Lee’s physical condition. Ultimately, it seems that head coach Enrique decided to exclude Lee from his lineup.
This is not unrelated to recent transfer rumors involving Lee Kang-in. On the 6th, Lee deleted PSG from his SNS profile. This comes shortly after reports indicated that Lee requested a transfer directly from the PSG club, drawing attention. There are suggestions that this might indirectly show Lee's decision to end his ties with PSG.
French media 'L'Équipe' extensively covered transfer rumors regarding Lee Kang-in in an article on the 4th entitled, 'Lee Kang-in is holding back just before an explosion. PSG remains silent as they are on an uptick.' The outlet speculated, 'Will Lee go to Arsenal? Or to Newcastle? Lee wants guaranteed playing time.'
'L'Équipe' reporter Rocco Tanzi explained, 'PSG and Lee Kang-in will discuss the future after the season ends. The South Korean national team ace has completely lost his place at PSG. Coach Luis Enrique has not provided Lee with much playing time lately. Lee has also expressed his intention to part ways with PSG.'
Particularly regrettable is Lee Kang-in's absence given the ongoing transfer rumors linking him to Arsenal. Lee missed an opportunity to make a strong impression on a club that is rumored to be interested due to his injury. If Lee were to don Arsenal's red jersey, he would become the second South Korean player to do so after Park Ji-sung.
French media 'Planet PSG' mentioned on the 4th, 'Lee Kang-in, who lacks playing time, is likely to leave PSG after the season. Lee has not been able to secure playing time in important matches. He has expressed his desire to leave PSG. Lee's requests for playing time will likely not be accommodated. If Lee receives an intriguing offer this summer, the chance of him staying at PSG is low,' while referencing the possibility of a move to Arsenal.
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