PSG decides to part ways with Lee Kang-in amid fierce competition for spots

Could Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) be leaving Paris after two seasons? There have been claims that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has already made a decision.

French 'Foot 01' reported on the 6th (Korean time) that "Lee Kang-in and PSG are parting ways! Lee Kang-in will likely spend his last few weeks at PSG since the club has decided to part ways with him this summer."

The media reported that "Lee Kang-in was acquired a year and a half ago from Mallorca for just over 22 million euros (about 34.4 billion won). He was never a guaranteed starter in manager Enrique's eyes. Despite this, he has long acted as a luxury joker, but he has disappeared from the team in recent weeks. His number of appearances has decreased, and his playing time has gradually shortened."

In fact, Lee Kang-in has yet to secure a solid starting position this season. He has played 24 league matches but has had more appearances as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League (UCL), featuring in 10 matches. He started 4 games and came on as a substitute 6 times. He has not been able to play as a starter in the most important 'stage of stars.'

Lee Kang-in has started in only 3 of the last 10 games. Including the match against Liverpool, he has now been excluded from the starting lineup for 4 consecutive games. The only game where he played the full 90 minutes was in the Coupe de France match against Le Mans in the third division. Even in critical league matches against Olympique Lyon and Lille LOSC, he managed only about 15 minutes.

There are several competitors now added. Foot 01 noted that "with the emergence of João Neves, Searo Mayulu, and Desire Doue, competition has become fierce. Lee Kang-in has certainly paid a high price."

The media reported that "according to 'PSG Inside Actus,' there is no doubt about the reason for Lee Kang-in's release this summer. Selling Lee Kang-in has already been decided by the PSG board."

According to the claims, PSG plans to clean up their squad. Consequently, some players with insufficient playing time or whose contracts are expiring may be asked to leave. Foot 01 emphasized that "Lee Kang-in can be viewed as 'a player almost certain to leave.'"

Moreover, the media added that "Lee Kang-in, who has spent 2 years at PSG, has eventually found himself in a position where he must leave the team. Considering that his contract runs until June 2028 and he earns about 7 million euros (around 10.9 billion won), it is still uncertain whether Lee Kang-in will easily pack his bags. While this amount is reasonable compared to the size of the PSG locker room, it would be difficult for him to receive that much at a smaller club than PSG."

On the 6th, Lee Kang-in remained on the bench in the first leg of the UCL Round of 16 against Liverpool held at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. The team lost to Liverpool 0-1, raising alarms about advancing to the quarterfinals. PSG must secure a win in the second leg away to Liverpool to reach the quarterfinals.

It is a defeat that PSG finds hard to accept. PSG dominated with 72% possession and attacked Liverpool's goal throughout the match, having an overwhelming 27 shots to 2. However, PSG failed to break through Liverpool's goal guarded by goalkeeper Alisson Becker and conceded a goal with the only accurate shot given to Harvey Elliott in the 42nd minute of the second half.

Lee Kang-in had to watch his teammates lose without playing even a minute. There were expectations that he might come on at the end of the second half, but that too fell through.

On that day, manager Enrique opted for a front trio of Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He chose Gonzalo Hamus and Desire Doue as players to change the attack. In the midfield, Warren Zaïre-Emery was brought in as a substitute for Lee Kang-in. Although there were substitution cards remaining, Lee Kang-in did not get on the pitch.

This is the result of failing to find a solid position under manager Enrique. Up until the start of the season, Lee Kang-in secured plenty of playing time thanks to his versatility. He even took on the role of 'false 9' in place of Hamus, who was out due to a long-term injury, and covered positions as a winger as well as a central midfielder.

In particular, his position has sharply diminished recently. The arrival of Khvicha, who joined during the winter transfer window, has been selected as the new right winger, and Dembélé, who has transformed into a striker, has been performing exceptionally well. With the addition of new recruits João Neves and Doue, there are fewer opportunities for Lee Kang-in.

Naturally, transfer rumors are growing. Previously, French 'Sport' asserted that "Lee Kang-in was brought in to solidify his position in PSG's midfield, but he has not been able to become an essential player," and stated that "the PSG board is considering selling Lee Kang-in to create room for new reinforcements. It is still uncertain whether they will choose to loan him or sell him to revive his career, as he has not found a suitable position in Paris."

If Lee Kang-in really does make it onto PSG's release list, there is a strong possibility that the English Premier League (PL) will be his next destination. Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Nottingham Forest are reportedly showing interest in him. If he can secure a solid position, it could be a good choice for Lee Kang-in.

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