Lee Kang-in (24, PSG) has fallen to the role of 'a card in psychological warfare,' while AS Roma, a prestigious Italian club, has expressed interest in him, stirring the transfer market.
According to local reports from France, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been quietly continuing its operations without including Lee Kang-in on the release list. However, this is not simply a 'signal for retention' but is gaining credibility as an intentional psychological strategy.
French media 'Le Meilleur du PSG' reported on the 17th (Korean time) citing a report from the prominent French newspaper 'L'Équipe' that 'PSG has not officially put Lee Kang-in on the transfer market, but this is not just to keep the player; it is a strategic approach to maintain negotiation power.'
The media compared Lee Kang-in's situation to 'poker menteur,' or lying poker, pointing out that it is a method that 'says more by not saying anything.'
Lee Kang-in joined PSG in the summer of 2023 from RCD Mallorca for a transfer fee of €20 million (about 32.3 billion won). At the beginning of the 2024-2025 season, he was regularly used as a rotation member, but his position sharply declined after the winter transfer market. After the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, he spent more time on the bench, and even after the Ligue 1 championship was confirmed, he was omitted from the final match roster.
He has also not had the opportunity to play in the Champions League final, the French Cup final, or the recently held 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, effectively becoming a resource outside the plans.
French media 'Foot01' reported that 'PSG has launched a large-scale squad restructuring ahead of the summer transfer market, and the possibility of releasing Lee Kang-in and Luka Hernandez is high.' Another PSG-focused channel 'PSGINSIDE-ACTUS' reported via social media that 'Lee Kang-in is likely to leave the team in the summer.'
There are definitely clubs that want Lee Kang-in. Following SSC Napoli, which has been consistently mentioned, AS Roma has recently emerged as a new club interested.
Italian media 'Calciolai' reported that 'Roma has made strengthening the flanks a top priority and is considering Lee Kang-in as a central target.' Gian Piero Gasperini, who took charge of Roma this summer, is said to have directly mentioned Lee Kang-in as a winger resource that could add diversity to the attack while expressing that he wants 'the highest level squad possible.'
Roma finished 5th in Serie A for the 2024-2025 season and aims for the championship next season. Accordingly, they plan to be active in the summer transfer market, and Lee Kang-in is included in that strategy.
For Roma to successfully acquire him, competition is inevitable. Aside from Napoli, mid-table Premier League clubs are closely monitoring Lee Kang-in’s situation, and some are reportedly preparing to pursue a transfer.
Currently, PSG has set Lee Kang-in's transfer fee at a minimum of €30 million (about 48.1 billion won). The reason for not placing him on the official release list is also analyzed locally as a strategy to maintain his market value as much as possible. A source explained that 'PSG maintaining silence serves as a poker card in negotiations, encouraging interested clubs to make the first move.'
Ultimately, the decision rests with Lee Kang-in. As the possibility of regaining his position within PSG diminishes, it is time for him to find a new team where he can seek a larger role and growth. PSG's 'psychological warfare' continues, but Lee Kang-in's time is not infinitely available. It is time for him to muster the courage to change his table before it is too late.
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