"Is the time to leave approaching?" The summer transfer rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in (24·Paris Saint-Germain) are gradually becoming reality as his position in Paris is being shaken.
French media outlet 'Foot01' reported on the 14th (Korea time) that "PSG has begun its squad restructuring after finishing the season as the runner-up in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup," adding that "Lee Kang-in and Lucas Hernandez are strong candidates to leave the team this summer."
Lee Kang-in's position showed no signs of instability until the first half of the season. He participated in all 23 matches PSG played, scoring 6 goals and providing 2 assists, and appeared to be establishing a stable position under manager Luis Enrique.
However, the situation changed dramatically with the winter transfer market. After key striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia joined the Georgian national team, Lee Kang-in's playing time dropped significantly.
Ultimately, as the season came to a close, Lee Kang-in was gradually excluded from manager Enrique's plans. His name was absent from the final matchday squad in Ligue 1, and he did not play a single minute in the French Cup final or the UEFA Champions League final.
During PSG's challenge for the treble (Ligue 1, Cup, UCL), Lee Kang-in had to remain on the bench.
Now, it seems that expectations for Lee Kang-in have faded within PSG. 'Foot01' noted, "Manager Enrique has already completed the roster configuration for next season's starters and backups. Lee Kang-in has been completely excluded from his plans."
It further pointed out, "The manager no longer trusts Lee Kang-in after confirming the limitations of his performance."
Of course, PSG does not intend to sell Lee Kang-in at a bargain price. According to reports, the club wants at least €30 million (approximately 48.1 billion won) as a transfer fee and plans to secure financial benefits through this.
Though Lee Kang-in, who generated expectations by moving from Mallorca to PSG last summer, has once again found himself at the center of the European transfer market.
Currently, there are teams showing interest in Lee Kang-in. The most proactive club is Napoli in Italy's Serie A. Napoli, which highly values Lee Kang-in's technical capabilities and tactical adaptability, kept an eye on him last summer and is showing signs of movement to acquire him again this summer.
However, negotiations have not yet formally begun. Manchester United is also consistently monitoring Lee Kang-in's situation, but no specific offers have been made.
Lee Kang-in himself has left the door open for the possibility of a transfer. After the match against Kuwait in the second qualifying round for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup held at Seoul World Cup Stadium in June, he said, "I do not know what will happen in the future" and "I will do my best whether I stay or leave."
Although he still has a contract with PSG, his future status is expected to be determined in the summer transfer market.
Lee Kang-in, who has been sidelined under manager Enrique and is aiming for a comeback on the European stage again. Will he make an appearance in a new uniform this summer? The race around Lee Kang-in in the summer market is gradually picking up speed.
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