"Lee Kang-in, Saudi Arabia wants him strongly."

Foot Nation reported on the 8th (Korea time) that "Al-Shabab of Saudi Arabia really wants to acquire Lee Kang-in. Al-Shabab plans to offer a transfer fee of 50 million euros (78 billion won) for Lee Kang-in's acquisition."

Sport noted that "Lee Kang-in was acquired to solidify his position in the midfield at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), but he has not become an essential player at all." It further claimed, "The PSG board is considering selling Lee Kang-in to create space for new reinforcements. It remains uncertain whether they will choose to loan him or sell him to revive him, as he has struggled to find a proper role in Paris."

Foot 01 reported on the 6th that "Lee Kang-in and PSG have decided to part ways this summer. This season will likely be Lee Kang-in's last at PSG," stating, "There is no doubt that Lee Kang-in will eventually leave the team. He will depart in the upcoming summer transfer market."

It added, "Lee Kang-in left Mallorca for PSG a year and a half ago for a transfer fee of 22 million euros (34.6 billion won), but he was not a guaranteed starter under coach Luis Enrique. Although he had served as a joker role for a long time and occasionally impressed coach Enrique, his playing time has drastically decreased in recent weeks."

Lee Kang-in has had an outstanding season with 6 goals and 5 assists, but his presence in the team has diminished, as he started in only 1 of the last 7 official matches.

Inevitably, in the recent UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Liverpool, he was named on the substitute list for the first time this season but did not get the opportunity to play, which was disappointing. Local reports indicate that Lee Kang-in has fallen behind in the fierce competition.

Foot 01 noted, "Some players whose playing time has decreased or whose contracts are expiring have no choice but to leave the team. Lee Kang-in is almost certainly one of those players leaving the team," adding, "It has been reported that the PSG management has already acknowledged Lee Kang-in's transfer."

The key issue is Lee Kang-in's high salary. "Lee Kang-in's salary is estimated to be 7 million euros (11.1 billion won), so it remains to be seen whether a transfer can be easily arranged. Internally at PSG, it is considered a reasonable level, but it will be undoubtedly difficult for smaller clubs than PSG to handle."

Ultimately, there is a possibility that PSG may accept Saudi Arabia's offer.

50 million euros is more than double the transfer fee PSG paid to acquire Lee Kang-in, and the enormous salaries provide a backdrop for clubs in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East to acquire world-class players.

However, there are concerns. This is due to Kim Seung-kyu.

According to Al-Ittihad, Al-Shabab has been unable to pay salaries to both domestic and foreign players for three months.

The club stated that it would resolve the salary issue by the end of February, but salaries have not been paid again.

Ultimately, the players decided to refuse to participate in training.

It is reported that players left the training ground after meeting with coach Fatih Terim to explain their position.

According to reports, it requires 40 million riyals (15 billion won) to pay the overdue salaries of players, coaching staff, and club employees.

Al-Shabab has Czech legend Pavel Nedved as the Director General. Additionally, players such as Kim Seung-kyu and Yannick Carrasco, who has played for Atletico Madrid, are part of the team.

Kim Seung-kyu transferred to Al-Shabab from Kashiwa Reysol in June 2022, making his debut in Saudi Arabia.

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