"I am also reporting my situation through the article."
The South Korea national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, faced Kuwait in the 10th match of Group B in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 10th, winning decisively 4-0.
With this victory, South Korea accumulated 22 points (6 wins, 4 draws) and completed the final qualifiers without a loss.
South Korea already secured a spot in the next round after a 2-0 victory against Iraq on the 6th, with consecutive goals from Kim Jin-kyu and Oh Hyun-kyu, affirming their place in the top two of the group with 5 wins and 4 draws (19 points), marking 11 consecutive qualifications for the World Cup. The team’s definitive win of 4-0 turned the match into a celebration shared with home fans.
South Korea is the first to record an unbeaten run in the final qualifiers in 15 years since 2010. Following a disappointing loss in an away match against the UAE on March 29, 2022, which ended their unbeaten streak in the Asian qualifiers for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, this time they wrapped up the round on a positive note without any defeats.
South Korea took the lead with an own goal from the opponent in the 30th minute of the first half, and in the 6th and 9th minutes of the second half, Lee Kang-in and Oh Hyun-kyu scored back-to-back goals, boosting the team's momentum. Subsequently, in the 27th minute of the second half, substitute Lee Jae-sung netted the fourth goal, achieving a perfect victory.
Chosen as the standout player, Lee Kang-in appeared at the official press conference after the match. He noted, "I am grateful to the younger players for giving their best. The experiences and support from the older players have also been a great help. We will continue to achieve good results as one team."
He then emphasized, "The World Cup next year is not an easy stage. We must be in top form. Since no players have been confirmed yet, everyone needs to compete and prepare."
He also mentioned his growth, stating, "I barely participated in the qualifiers for the last World Cup and joined late, but this time I have been playing many matches and communicating with the players and coaching staff. This experience will be a huge help."
Regarding his childhood dream of winning the World Cup, he said, "Winning a major tournament with PSG made me think that 'it is not impossible.' I believe that good fortune will come if we give our best. I will not give up and will prepare."
He also spoke about the recent rumors regarding his transfer, stating, "I will show my best performance wherever I go."
French media outlet "Lequipe" reported on the 3rd (Korea time) that "Lee Kang-in and Gonzalo Hamus could leave PSG this summer. PSG is planning to allow the transfers." Lee has made 45 appearances in official matches this season, but his playing time drastically decreased in the second half, and he also fell out of favor in key Champions League matches.
Lee Kang-in's transfer rumors have been linked to Manchester United, Arsenal, and German clubs; however, the most proactive club currently is SSC Napoli. Italian newspaper "Corriere dello Sport" reported, "Napoli has targeted Lee Kang-in as a replacement after selling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia." The anticipated transfer fee is approximately €40 million (about 62.5 billion won).
According to 'Football Italia', Napoli is also considering a loan with an option for a permanent transfer, and their relationship with PSG is amicable. Napoli is already pursuing the acquisition of Kevin De Bruyne and wishes to bring Lee Kang-in in as a key asset for their attacking lineup.
After the press conference, Lee Kang-in, met again in the mixed zone, mentioned, "I also do not know what will happen next," adding, "Even if I want to give a hint, the season is not over yet, and the transfer market has not opened. I have not discussed anything with the club, and I am in a situation where I am also reporting through articles."
He then smiled, saying, "I do not know where I will play next year."
[OSEN]