After a long time, Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) could not avoid criticism in the local French media. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, the evaluation fell short of expectations.

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Montpellier 4-1 in the 33rd round of the 2024-2025 French Ligue 1 away match held at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, France, on Nov. 11 (Korean time).

Having already secured the league title, Paris Saint-Germain recorded 81 points, winning the league for the first time in four games and breaking a losing streak.

Coach Luis Enrique pulled the rotation card ahead of the UEFA Champions League. On this day, Paris Saint-Germain set up a 3-4-3 formation with Hamus, Barcola, and Mbaye in the attack, placing Lee Kang-in in a vague position between left wingback and midfielder.

Lee Kang-in played a full-time match in the league after four months. He was active throughout the game, completing 93% of his 52 passes for consolidation and recording one shot, one created chance, two successful long passes, and three drawn fouls. However, his actual impact on the game was deemed minimal.

The soccer statistics site 'Footmob' gave Lee Kang-in the lowest rating on the team, a score of 6.6.

Culture PSG was much harsher. Culture PSG remarked, "He looked like a player who didn't want to be there," giving Lee Kang-in a score of 4.

"The position itself was vague. In the 3-4-3 system, Lee Kang-in played like a left back, which did not suit him at all. His influence was almost non-existent, and creative play disappeared. His reckless dribbling attempts and slow tempo interrupted the flow. He would have been substituted if there were adequate alternatives," the assessment stated.

90min France rated Lee Kang-in with a score of 5, stating, "I expected he would be substituted early." It noted, "While he still showed neat skills when in possession, most of his passes were lateral or backward. Set pieces were not threatening, and aggressive attempts were rare."

This match was an important test for Lee Kang-in. With him gradually being pushed out of Coach Luis Enrique's plans in the latter part of the season, he seized a rare opportunity to play but failed to meet expectations.

Lee Kang-in is currently at the center of transfer rumors. Several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle, have shown interest, and his agent is reported to have visited England recently to meet with clubs. His deletion of PSG-related content from his social media profile has also sparked speculation about a transfer.

Corriere dello Sport noted on the 9th, "Napoli intends to sign Lee Kang-in as a versatile midfielder and utilize him as a key member next season," adding, "He is a 2001-born playmaker with refined passing centered on his left foot, a rare asset in European football."

Napoli, which has been unable to fill the void left by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's departure to Paris Saint-Germain last January, is focused on securing alternative resources. They utilized David Neres during the season, but he fell short of expectations with just 2 goals and 4 assists in 25 matches, and it has been reported that Coach Conte has directly requested reinforcement in the winger position.

Lee Kang-in has emerged as a significant alternative. Primarily playing as an attacking midfielder, he is also capable of fulfilling roles as a second striker as well as a wide player.

Napoli's officials said, "Lee Kang-in is a player with the tactical flexibility preferred by Coach Conte," and described him as "a playmaker equipped with both quick spatial penetration and accurate passing."

However, in order to finalize a transfer, realistic 'price negotiations' must take place. Paris Saint-Germain is demanding at least 40 million euros (63 billion won), while Napoli is hesitant to exceed 25 million euros (39.3 billion won). Calcio Napoli stated, "The gap in transfer fees between the two parties is significant, but there is ample room for compromise if practical negotiations proceed." Napoli is pursuing a major overhaul this summer, including adding both Lee Kang-in and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City to their list.

Paris Saint-Germain will face Lens in the Coup de France final on the 25th and is set to meet Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final on the 1st of next month. With a relatively light league schedule, there are still opportunities for Lee Kang-in. However, if he does not show a significant rebound in the remaining matches, it is highly likely that his partnership with Paris Saint-Germain will end at the conclusion of this season.

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