Shoot towards Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain).

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will compete for the championship trophy against Inter Milan in the final of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, which will be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, at 4 a.m. on June 1 (Korean time).

Having already claimed the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France titles, PSG is aiming for the 'treble.' This is the club's first challenge for the Champions League title in its history. PSG has yet to win the Champions League, having only finished as runner-up in 2020.

There are unfortunate expectations that Lee Kang-in may not participate in the most important match of the season. According to 'WhoScored.com,' Lee's name was disappointingly absent from PSG's predicted starting lineup for the Champions League final. PSG, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, is expected to field its best players: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Dou, Luis, Vitinha, Neves, Mendes, Pacheo, Marquinhos, Hakimi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

ESPN also excluded Lee Kang-in from the lineup. On the 31st, ESPN announced a selection of '30 players who will impact the Champions League final.' Unfortunately, Lee's name was not mentioned anywhere.

ESPN ranked Ousmane Dembélé, Lautaro Martínez, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Alessandro Bastoni from 1st to 5th. The goalkeepers from both teams, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Yann Sommer, were tied for 11th place.

In addition to the best 11 from both teams, names of Lee Kang-in's teammates expected to come off the bench, such as Warren Zaïre-Emery (25th), Gonzalo Ramos (27th), and Lucas Hernández (30th), were mentioned. However, Lee's name was nowhere to be found. This means that Lee Kang-in is not even considered a key bench member.

Even if PSG wins, it would be a bittersweet victory if Lee Kang-in is unable to play. Lee did not have any opportunity to play in the final match of Ligue 1 for PSG. This season, Lee contributed to PSG with six goals and five assists, but he could not smile.

Coach Luis Enrique does not trust Lee Kang-in. Lee was once again excluded from the starting lineup in the Coupe de France final, where the championship was at stake. He remained on the substitute bench but did not play even a second.

During the first half, with three goals scored to lead 3-0, Coach Luis Enrique brought on Hernández, Berchiche, Gonzalo Ramos, Maylu, and Zaire-Emery in the second half but did not pay any attention to Lee. This is why there are rumors about Lee's transfer.

At this point, Lee Kang-in is being considered as the third or fourth option, falling behind current starter Khvicha and key bench member Désiré Doué. He is lagging behind not only as a side attacker but also in central midfield. Ultimately, being left behind in competition is a disappointing situation for Lee Kang-in.

Naturally, rumors about Lee's transfer are expected to ignite. If he cannot participate in the UCL final, it will become evident that PSG is intentionally viewing him as surplus to requirements. At the same time, various big clubs are enamored with Lee, who boasts exceptional skills and a left-footed ability.

Currently, the strongest transfer link for Lee Kang-in is with Serie A's Napoli. Napoli sought to include Lee in a trade even when selling Khvicha, but the deal fell through. With manager Antonio Conte returning to the team, they are strongly hoping for reinforcements.

Additionally, Manchester United is also a strong contender, as captain Bruno Fernandes is likely to be sold. Notably, manager Rubén Amorim has shown a strong interest in Lee Kang-in. Furthermore, Atlético Madrid, led by manager Diego Simeone, has been keeping an eye on Lee since his time at Mallorca.

/mcadoo@soen.co.kr

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