FA Cup champion Crystal Palace is targeting Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain).
Lee Kang-in has collected two trophy victories just this season. PSG defeated Reims 3-0 in the final of the 2024-25 Coupe de France (French Cup) held at Stade de France in Paris, France, at 4 a.m. (Korean time) on the 25th.
PSG succeeded in winning the tournament for the second consecutive year and their 16th overall title. Having won Ligue 1, PSG achieved a double by winning the cup tournament as well. However, Lee Kang-in did not play for even a second in the final.
Excluded from the starting lineup, Lee Kang-in was on the substitute list but did not play for even a second. Coach Luis Enrique did not consider Lee, even after substituting Hernández, Bélaud, Gonçalo Ramos, Mayulu, and Zaire Emery in the second half after scoring three goals in the first half to lead 3-0.
It was an awkward victory. After the match, Lee Kang-in draped himself in a Korean flag and participated in the victory ceremony. Although they won, it was a trophy achieved with the help of his teammates while he was left out of the game. Lee could only wear a bitter smile.
At the beginning of the season, Coach Luis Enrique relied heavily on Lee Kang-in. However, as the season progressed, his opportunities to play decreased. Lee did not get to play in PSG's final match of Ligue 1 either. This season, he contributed to the team's success with 6 goals and 5 assists but could not smile.
Ultimately, what Lee Kang-in desires is a club that recognizes his value. He needs a club that can devise tactics suited for him and provide sufficient playing time. Coincidentally, Crystal Palace is actively courting him.
'London World' reported on the 24th that 'Crystal Palace has begun to speed up their pursuit of PSG midfielder Lee Kang-in. The FA Cup champion plans to strengthen their squad by signing Lee this summer. Palace's securing of a UEFA Europa League berth for next season through their FA Cup victory will play in their favor.'
Oliver Glasner, the Palace manager, noted, 'Winning the FA Cup has made Palace an attractive team. We will undertake major reinforcements this summer,' and he strongly desires to sign Lee Kang-in.
From Lee's perspective, a Premier League team where he can play a key role is more appealing than a big club where he cannot play even for a second. Palace, based in London, has many favorable conditions.
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