"An attractive proposal must be made to change the club's position."
Lee Kang-in's dream of leaving Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is likely to eventually fail. Although the performance has improved recently and the interest of various clubs is increasing, it is because PSG's position is so determined. France's leading media reported in detail the situation related to Lee Kang-in's transfer rumors. In conclusion, it is difficult to transfer at the moment.
French media L'Equipe said on the 20th (Korean time) that Lee Kang-in, who has made a successful start to the season at PSG, wants to know the direction he can choose in the transfer market 'Lee Kang-in has been rethinking his future in recent days. He said, 'I want more playing time in the year when the 2026 North American World Cup is scheduled?' and conveyed Lee Kang-in's reaction to the current transfer rumor. In short, it means that Lee Kang-in's willingness to transfer has grown significantly compared to before.
However, no matter how great Lee Kang-in's will is, if PSG does not accept it, the transfer will not be possible in the end. PSG still don't want to take ownership of Lee Kang-in. Reporter Roik Tanji, who wrote this article, said, `When Lee Kang-in replaced Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup, his future seems to have already been determined. Despite the transfer offer, PSG has no intention of sending Lee Kang-in "Nevertheless, the reason Lee Kang-in wants to check his options at the end of the transfer market is because he felt that the transfer market is moving around him now. Currently, several clubs in the EPL and Serie A Napoli are interested", he explained.
As reporter Tanji said, the situation in the transfer market surrounding Lee Kang-in has changed rapidly in recent years. Initially, Lee Kang-in was classified as a target for sale at PSG at the beginning of the transfer market. However, there was no active interest at the time. Although several clubs, including Naples, showed interest in recruiting Lee Kang-in, they did not send any specific suggestions. Lee Kang-in was increasingly shunned in the transfer market.
Coach Enrique originally used Lee Kang-in quite a bit until the middle of the 2024-2025 season. He has been playing in various positions and using it like a yardstick. However, in the transfer market in January, Khvicha Kravatshelia transferred to the team, and Lee Kang-in was pushed back.
In response, reporter Tanji "Lee Kang-in's utilization and record have changed significantly since Hvitsa's recruitment. Lee Kang-in played in 37 games at the beginning of the 2024-2025 season, but he played only 8 out of 21 games until the Club World Cup"At the time, coach Enrique did not trust Lee Kang-in in the big game. He played only once after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. As a result, Lee Kang-in considered a transfer", he explained.
In the end, Lee Kang-in, who was classified as a 'sale target' after the end of the season, actively pursued the transfer, but was not selected by the mayor. In the meantime, coach Enrique suddenly changed his position on Lee Kang-in.
Coach Enrique appealed to the club to the need for Lee Kang-in, and in the end, PSG changed Lee Kang-in back to the target of 'No Sale'. Later, Enrique replaced Lee Kang-in in the Super Cup against Tottenham, and Lee Kang-in scored a mid-range shot that served as a springboard for the tie. Since then, he has become a kicker and scored a goal in the penalty shootout, becoming a leading player in the championship.
Then, Coach Enrique put Lee Kang-in as the starting midfielder in the opening match of the French League 1 in the 2025-2026 season against Nantes on the 18th. Lee Kang-in played 61 minutes and was rated fourth in the team. That's why L'Equipe described it as a 'successful season start'.
This performance has become a factor in heating up the cold transfer market again. Since then, interest in Arsenal, Manchester United and Napoli has begun to grow. In particular, Arsenal is reportedly taking the lead in recruiting Lee Kang-in.
However, PSG, which has already confirmed Lee Kang-in's new utilization, is not responding much to this interest. It seems to have decided that it is much more beneficial to keep Lee Kang-in.
In response, reporter Tanji said, `There is little possibility at the moment that PSG will open the door to a transfer. In recent weeks, PSG have been determined to keep their existing players. If the club is to change its position (on Lee Kang-in), a very attractive offer must be made."
Eventually, the problem goes back to square one. PSG never intends to release Lee Kang-in unless a breakthrough transfer fee is offered. PSG, which spent 22 million euros on recruiting Lee Kang-in, wants more than 40 million euros. It is unclear whether Arsenal, Manchester United or Napoli will pay this amount. If there is no breakthrough reversal, Lee Kang-in is likely to spend the 2025-2026 season at PSG as it is.
Reporter Lee Won-man wman@sportschosun.com
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.