What does it mean to have one's name listed on a death list?

The Spanish newspaper 'Sport' reported on the 15th (Korean time) that "Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is not expected to make significant changes to the team, given their good performance this season." They also stated that "instead of aggressively pursuing player acquisitions, PSG is expected to secure a budget by selling some surplus assets. There are four strong candidates."

Lee Kang-in has indeed seen his position at PSG diminish. He recorded 6 goals and 6 assists with respectable early-season performances, but the situation drastically changed in 2025. In the league, he has been on the bench, and since the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, he has remained on the bench for the last four matches and was excluded from the roster for both the semifinals.

Most of his appearances in league matches have been substitutions in the second half. There are analyses suggesting he may have been excluded from the plans of head coach Luis Enrique. Moreover, with the ongoing transfer rumors, Lee Kang-in has deleted references to 'PSG' from his Instagram account and has not posted any club-related content for nearly two months, increasing speculation about his transfer.

Of course, since he has also erased other introduction items such as 'Republic of Korea,' it cannot be definitively concluded, but it is hard to deny signs of change. ESPN reported on the 8th that "PSG forward Lee Kang-in is being linked with Arsenal. The 24-year-old Lee has reached the Champions League final. His market value is €20 million (approximately 31.7 billion won)."

'The Sun' also reported on the transfer rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in, stating, "Korean national team forward Lee Kang-in is not getting enough playing time at PSG. Arsenal's new director Andrea Bert is a big fan of Lee. He attempted to recruit Lee when he was playing for Mallorca during his time at Atletico Madrid in 2023."

PSG will face Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final for the 2024-25 season at 4 a.m. (Korean time) on June 1 at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. PSG, which has already confirmed its Ligue 1 victory, is embarking on its European conquest.

PSG won the first leg of the semifinals against Arsenal 1-0. Lee was on the substitute list but had no playing opportunities. He has effectively been classified as surplus to PSG's needs. The same was true for the second leg, where PSG defeated Arsenal 2-1 at home. PSG took an early 2-0 lead and made three substitutions in the second half. Lee did not receive a call from head coach Luis Enrique.

The UK newspaper 'Football Express' noted on the 8th that "Arsenal is making an attempt to acquire Lee Kang-in from PSG this summer. Arsenal has already contacted Lee's side. Lee is an excellent player, but he has not been getting enough playing time due to being overshadowed by other players at PSG. Arsenal has made up its mind to acquire Lee."

The outlet continued, "Arsenal also targeted Lee Kang-in in the January transfer market. PSG plans to let Lee go if a suitable offer comes in. PSG brought Lee from Mallorca for £18.7 million (approximately 34.7 billion won). PSG would part with Lee for at least £17 million (approximately 31.6 billion won). The possibility of Lee transferring is very high."

Furthermore, PSG is preparing for a major influx of players in the summer transfer market. However, this time they plan to sell existing players and use those resources to acquire new players rather than investing excessively in transfer fees. Naturally, from PSG's perspective, players mentioned on the sale list are being discussed before those on the acquisition list.

Who has been mentioned as a potential sale target by Sport, which reported this news? The outlet analyzed that "PSG has four players classified as surplus: Milan Škriniar (Fenerbahçe SK), Lee Kang-in, Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus), and Marco Asensio (Aston Villa). These players have no place at PSG."

Excluding Lee Kang-in, all the other players are already on loan to other teams. In fact, Lee also attracted interest from other teams in the winter transfer window, but he chose to stay. Ultimately, due to PSG's situation, which must give opportunities to promising talents and several players next season, the likelihood that Lee is also on the release list is very high.

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