The trajectory is clear. Paris Saint-Germain did not waver. Despite repeated transfer rumors about Lee Kang-in (24), the club's conclusion was firm. Not for sale.
French outlet Foot Mercato reported on the 30th (Korean time) that "PSG does not want Lee Kang-in to leave during this winter transfer window," relaying the club's internal policy.
Spanish station Cadena SER also reported that "Lee Kang-in had left open the possibility of a January transfer, but the club did not permit it."
Regardless of the player's wishes, the decision-making power ultimately rested with PSG.
The transfer rumors surrounding Lee Kang-in were a major issue in the European market for some time. Spanish leading paper Marca fanned the flames in midmonth by reporting that "Atletico Madrid is discussing signing Lee Kang-in. A resource they have observed for a long time."
In fact, Lee Kang-in has been consistently spotted on Atletico's radar since his Mallorca days, and the fact that coach Diego Simeone personally made contact became a hot topic locally.
However, the final choice in the summer of 2023 was PSG. The French champions, who offered better conditions and a project, won the recruitment battle. Lee Kang-in signed a long-term contract with PSG through 2028, and his current market value is estimated at about 25 million euros. Considering the contract length, asset value, and the player's utilization, PSG is in a position where it cannot easily decide to sell.
In his first season at PSG, 2023-24, Lee Kang-in was used extensively under coach Luis Enrique. He provided tactical flexibility by operating on the flank and in the center, and he was recognized as having value beyond a rotation option.
But the situation subtly changed starting in 2025. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire D5eguea moved ahead in the competition, and Bradley Barcola and Jo5ao Neves also gained the upper hand in the starting lineup battle. As a result, Lee Kang-in's playing time gradually decreased, and he began to be omitted from squads for important matches repeatedly.
The environment made transfer speculation inevitable. After the season ended, speculation intensified when Lee Kang-in cleaned up PSG-related posts on his personal social media.
French L'Equipe reported that Nottingham Forest prepared an offer of 30 million euros including bonus clauses, and in the U.K. local media there were successive reports that Tottenham had shown interest. Some outlets even mentioned the possibility of an offer up to 50 million euros.
But the conclusion was consistent. PSG did not put Lee Kang-in on the sale list. The stance did not change in this winter transfer window either. Coach Enrique is known to hold Lee Kang-in in high regard even though his playing time is limited.
The view is that he is a multifunctional resource who can cover multiple positions, making him valuable for rotation and necessary for squad management heading into the latter part of the season. Within the club there is also a consensus that "there is no reason to sell now."
Naturally, Atletico and Tottenham stopped in their tracks once more. British outlet SpursWeb reported that "Tottenham had considered Lee Kang-in, who can play both on the flank and in the center, as a primary candidate, but negotiations did not progress due to PSG's firm stance." PSG clearly drew a line. Their position is that Lee Kang-in is not for sale.
The issue of playing time remains, but the club's choice is clear. It is a comprehensive judgment considering the player's intended use, contract structure, and team strength management. At least this winter, Lee Kang-in's residence will not change. The competition in Paris continues.<
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