Even in Manchester United's love call...PSG, this is why I can't let you go! Lee Kang-in returns, defensive MF long pass machine talent explodes...a 29-game unbeaten run

Apr 20, 2025

Even in Manchester United's love call...PSG, this is why I can't let you go! Lee Kang-in returns, defensive MF long pass machine talent explodes...a 29-game unbeaten run
Photo = AFP Yonhap News



Even in Manchester United's love call...PSG, this is why I can't let you go! Lee Kang-in returns, defensive MF long pass machine talent explodes...a 29-game unbeaten run
사진=AP Yonhap News
Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) is back.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), led by head coach Luis Enrique, beat Le Havre 2-1 at home in the 2024-2025 season at Parc des Princes in Paris, France on the 20th (Korea time). PSG, which won the title early in the opening 28 games, won 29 games (24 wins and 5 draws) with the victory.

On this day, Lee Kang-in stepped on the ground for the first time in a long time. On the 20th of last month, he injured his left foot neck in Group B of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup against Oman and was immersed in rehabilitation for a while. He returned to the roster in the first round of the quarterfinals of the European Champions League (UCL) against Aston Villa (England) on the 10th, but failed to play. He played in six official games on the day. It was his first appearance in eight games since March 9, when he was away in the league against Rennes.




Lee Kang-in stepped up as a central midfielder in the 3-4-3 formation. However, he actually played a defensive midfielder in the third line. In the first 45 minutes, he left positive records such as 70 ball touches, 98% (53/54) pass success rate, and 100% (7/7) long pass success rate. Lee Kang-in showed off a series of luxury long passes that caught the opponent's defense off guard. In the second half, he performed his unique de-pressure ability with his brilliant individual skills. In addition, the opposing coach shook his head at a powerful tackle that spared no effort.

After the game, according to statistics company SofaScore, Lee Kang-in recorded 92 touches, 97% (69/71) pass success rate, and 7 crosses in 73 minutes. Along with Lucas Veraldu, he scored 7.6 points in the team's third highest rank.

Even in Manchester United's love call...PSG, this is why I can't let you go! Lee Kang-in returns, defensive MF long pass machine talent explodes...a 29-game unbeaten run
사진=EPA Yonhap News
Even in Manchester United's love call...PSG, this is why I can't let you go! Lee Kang-in returns, defensive MF long pass machine talent explodes...a 29-game unbeaten run
Photo = AFP Yonhap News
Lee Kang-in played an active role as the core of the team earlier this season. In the league's opening game in August last year, he scored a goal three minutes after kickoff, scoring League 1 '1st goal' this season. On September 28, 2024, he scored his first header goal in a league match against Stadren, and on November 10 of that year, he scored two goals and one assist in an away match against Ange. It was his first multi-goal on the French stage and his first triple attack point as a professional.

The tide has changed since the winter transfer market. His position has narrowed since joining Khvitsa Kvaratshelia. He started more games on the bench than he started. Especially on the UCL stage, he rarely had a chance. In this situation, rumors of Lee Kang-in's transfer poured out through the local media in the UK. At the end of this season, there is a possibility of a transfer to the English Premier League (EPL). Specific team names such as Manchester United and Arsenal were also mentioned.

The reversal continues. French media Le10 Sport said on the 20th 'PSG is already planning for the next season although the 2024-2025 season is not over yet. The biggest thing is to extend contracts with some players. PSG want to extend their contracts with Gianluigi Donnarumma, Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in. PSG knows well that they have many excellent players. They want to keep them. PSG has already announced an extension of its contract with Vitinya and others, it reported.

In a chaotic situation, Lee Kang-in continues his challenge toward the professional stage 'Career High'. He has scored six goals and five assists in the league this season alone. His best professional record is six goals and six assists he left when he was in Real Mallorca (Spain) in the 2022-2023 season.






This article was translated by Naver AI translator.