PSG won the Ligue 1 championship, but Lee Kang-in (24, PSG) could not smile.
PSG achieved a commanding 3-1 victory against Auxerre in the final match of the 2024-2025 season Ligue 1 on the 18th at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. Having already secured the title early, PSG had an overwhelming season with 26 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses. However, they did not achieve an unbeaten season.
PSG confirmed their title early like Bayern Munich. Therefore, in the remaining matches, they could have focused on players who had limited playing time, like Lee Kang-in.
However, the thoughts of manager Luis Enrique were different. Lee Kang-in was excluded from the starting lineup even for the final match and did not get any playing opportunities at all despite PSG conceding the opening goal and scoring three goals in the second half to turn the score around to 3-1. Regardless of the outcome, Lee Kang-in was ultimately not used.
It is true that PSG has many outstanding players. The tactics pursued by manager Enrique do not fit well with Lee Kang-in. However, excluding Lee Kang-in from the final match sends a strong message—that Lee Kang-in is not part of the plans under manager Enrique.
Lee Kang-in has been rapidly moving toward a transfer to Arsenal since the middle of the season. Reports have emerged that manager Enrique was uncomfortable with the transfer rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in since the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Arsenal. It suggests that Lee Kang-in is aware of putting on a 'showcase' for potential clubs he might transfer to.
ESPN reported on the 8th that 'PSG forward Lee Kang-in is in consolidation with Arsenal. The 24-year-old Lee has reached the UEFA Champions League final. His market value is €20 million (approximately 31.7 billion won).'
'The Sun' also reported on the transfer rumors concerning Lee Kang-in, stating, 'Korea national team forward Lee Kang-in has not been getting enough playing time at PSG. Arsenal's new director Andrea Berta is a big fan of Lee Kang-in. He even attempted to sign Lee Kang-in when he was playing at Mallorca during his time with Atletico Madrid in 2023.'
By excluding Lee Kang-in from the final match, PSG has sent a clear message. If they are not going to use Lee Kang-in, they need to ensure he is transferred this summer.
The British 'Football Express' stated that 'Arsenal has already contacted Lee Kang-in's side. Lee is a very talented player, but he is overshadowed by other players at PSG and is not getting much playing time. PSG brought Lee, who played at Mallorca, for £18.7 million (approximately 34.7 billion won). PSG is willing to let him go for at least £17 million (approximately 31.6 billion won),' revealing specific conditions.
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