Lee Kang-in aims for UCL title, navigates uncertain future post-PSG

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player Lee Kang-in (24) has reinforced his resolve to rise to the top of Europe.

PSG will face Inter Milan in the 2024-2025 season UEFA Champions League (UCL) single-match final at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on June 1 at 4 a.m. (Korean time).

PSG has secured the domestic treble this season, winning Ligue 1, the Trophée des Champions, and the Coupe de France. Now, they aim to conquer Europe.

Lee Kang-in is attempting to become only the second Korean player, after Park Ji-sung, to challenge for a UCL title. Park Ji-sung was part of the Manchester United (Man U) squad that won the title in the 2007-2008 season, although he did not play in the final. He later reached the final twice (in 2008-2009 and 2010-2011), but in those instances, Man U finished as runners-up.

Son Heung-min also reached the final stage as a member of Tottenham in the 2018-2019 season, but did not have a connection with the trophy.

Lee Kang-in stated through the club’s website, "We have done well throughout the season. Just coming this far is significant," and added, "I am very happy. I am preparing for the final with all my might. I want to win it so badly."

If Lee Kang-in plays in the UCL final and wins, it would be the first instance in the history of Korean football.

However, Lee Kang-in's participation in the final is uncertain, as he has been sidelined in the competition for a starting position in the latter half of the season. He appeared in 30 league matches this season, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists, but did not record any attacking points in 11 UCL matches. His last full-time appearance was in a group-stage match against Salzburg on Dec. 11 last year. In the tournament, he was substituted in the 11th minute of extra time in the second leg of the round of 16 against Liverpool, playing for only 19 minutes. He remained on the bench from the first leg of the quarter-finals to the second leg of the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, irrespective of his UCL participation, there is interest in Lee Kang-in's future for the next season. Predictions suggest a high possibility he will leave PSG after the season ends, as his playing time has decreased in the latter half of the season.

British outlet 'Caught Offside' reported on the 28th that "Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Atlético Madrid, and Napoli have shown interest in signing Lee Kang-in. Some clubs have already initiated contact."

Spanish outlet 'Relevo' reporter Matteo Moreto claimed, "It is highly likely that Lee Kang-in will leave PSG this summer." Lee Kang-in's current contract runs until 2028. Remaining at PSG could result in lost playing opportunities, making a transfer seem inevitable.

French media has also echoed similar forecasts. 'Le10Sport' analyzed that "Lee Kang-in has slipped to the second-tier resource under manager Luis Enrique. He has lost ground in the competition with Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué." 'Foot Mercato' reported, "PSG plans to streamline the squad this summer, and Lee Kang-in is included in that list."

Lee Kang-in's social media activity has fueled transfer rumors. He recently deleted references to 'PSG' from his Instagram account. Fans are interpreting this as a signal of an imminent transfer, but the disappearance of references to 'Republic of Korea' has also led some to view it as mere speculation.

Many teams are interested in Lee Kang-in. Napoli, where Kim Min-jae played, is taking a proactive approach. Italian outlet 'Arena Napoli' reported, "Giovanni Manna, the sports director of Napoli, is pushing for Lee Kang-in's signing."

English Premier League (EPL) clubs are also paying attention to Lee Kang-in. Manchester United's coach Ruben Amorim is seeking to bolster creative assets and is reportedly eyeing Lee Kang-in. However, Manchester United's potential failure to qualify for the Champions League next season could pose a hurdle in the competition for Lee Kang-in's signing.

Lee Kang-in is likely to prefer a team that has the potential to participate in the Champions League.

Atlético Madrid and Newcastle are also mentioned as potential destinations for him.

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