Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) has been recognized for his high performance.

France's Ligue 1 officially announced the four candidates for the 'Best Performance Award' for the 2024-2025 season through its official social media. Among them is Lee Kang-in, the future of Korean football, from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Lee Kang-in has been nominated alongside Ludovic Blas of Stade Rennais, Donovan Leon of Auxerre, and Rayan Cherki of Lyon. The evaluation criteria are undoubtedly based on 'overwhelming performance in a single match.' Lee Kang-in led PSG to a 4-2 victory, recording two goals and one assist, totaling three attacking points in the Ligue 1 round 11 match against Angers held last November.

It was truly the highlight of Lee Kang-in's career. He scored the opening goal with a right-footed shot in the 17th minute, and just three minutes later, he shook the net again to complete a brace. Then, in the 31st minute, he assisted Barcola with a sharp left-footed cross, completing his assist. The remarkable total of three attacking points was a first for him.

Naturally, his rating was perfect. In Ligue 1's official 'Fantasy League' system, Lee Kang-in received a score of 10, acknowledging his outstanding performance.

However, the path to winning the award is far from smooth. Competitors Blas and Cherki have also recorded perfect scores of 10 with one goal and two assists each, and currently, Cherki is leading the fan vote by a wide margin. Lee Kang-in is ranked second.

Nonetheless, the mere fact that Lee Kang-in's name is among the nominees holds special significance. Only four out of hundreds of Ligue 1 players can rise to this position. Lee Kang-in has strongly marked his presence at PSG despite limited opportunities.

This season, he dedicated himself to the team in various roles under manager Luis Enrique, playing as a winger, central midfielder, defensive midfielder, and even a false nine. Although he struggled due to frequent bench time and a lack of a clear position, he always shone at crucial moments.

Lee Kang-in and PSG have achieved a 'quadruple' this season. Along with early Ligue 1 victory, PSG captured the Trophée des Champions and the Coupe de France, defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final to secure the club's first European champion title in history.

However, Lee Kang-in's future remains uncertain. His position has been shaken drastically since this winter, and he ultimately remained on the bench in the UCL final. It is also reported that he has rejected a contract extension with the club and is currently seeking a transfer.

His name has been linked with clubs from England, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and even Italy's Napoli. In particular, the Italian media outlet 'Il Mattino' reported that "Napoli is keeping a close watch on Lee Kang-in and preparing a decisive offer."

Lee Kang-in was at the center of Napoli transfer rumors last winter as well. At that time, PSG was pursuing the acquisition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Lee Kang-in was mentioned as a trade card, but the deal fell through. However, this time the situation is different. PSG stated that they would not block Lee Kang-in's transfer if there is a reasonable offer.

The key is the transfer fee. Local media estimate Lee Kang-in's market value at about €30 million (approximately 46.5 billion won), but Napoli wants to negotiate a discount. Will he be the recipient of the 'Best Performance' award, or will he don a new uniform to kick off another peak in his career? Lee Kang-in's summer is anything but ordinary.

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