Lee Kang-in's PSG Future in Jeopardy: From Rising Star to Transfer Target

The Shocking Fall from Grace: Lee Kang-in's PSG Journey Takes a Dark Turn

What seemed like a fairy tale move to Paris Saint-Germain has turned into a nightmare for South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in. The 24-year-old, who arrived at the Parc des Princes with high hopes and even higher expectations, now finds himself on the club's transfer list after being deemed "no longer necessary" by manager Luis Enrique.

The dramatic shift in Lee's fortunes became evident during the 2024-25 season when he struggled to establish himself in PSG's star-studded lineup. Despite his versatility and technical abilities, the Korean international has been pushed further down the pecking order, culminating in reports that PSG is actively looking to sell him this summer.

French media outlet 'Le Parisien' sparked controversy when they reported that Lee Kang-in, alongside Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Beraldo, and Gonçalo Ramos, are considered surplus to requirements. The report stated that if suitable offers arrive, these players could be sold to fund PSG's ambitious transfer plans.

Positional Chaos: The Tactical Mismanagement That Sealed Lee's Fate

Lee Kang-in's troubles at PSG can be traced back to Luis Enrique's tactical approach and the club's winter transfer activities. Originally signed as an attacking midfielder and winger, Lee found himself being deployed in various unfamiliar positions throughout the season.

The situation became particularly dire after PSG's January signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli. The Georgian winger's immediate impact and excellent performances in both defensive and offensive phases completely locked down one of the attacking positions that Lee had been competing for.

In a desperate attempt to find playing time, Lee was even deployed as a defensive midfielder in PSG's Ligue 1 match against Le Havre, highlighting how far he had fallen in Enrique's tactical plans. This positional uncertainty not only affected his confidence but also his overall contribution to the team's success.

The Kvaratskhelia Effect: How One Signing Changed Everything

The arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January 2025 marked a turning point in Lee Kang-in's PSG career. The Georgian international's seamless integration into Luis Enrique's system and his outstanding performances quickly established him as a key player in PSG's attacking setup.

With Ousmane Dembélé already established as PSG's main attacking threat and Désiré Doué's potential exploding into consistent performances, the attacking lineup became increasingly crowded. Lee found himself competing for limited minutes against players who had either proven themselves over a longer period or showed more immediate impact.

The statistics paint a grim picture: Lee managed only 4 appearances with 4 substitute appearances in the 2025 Club World Cup, scoring just 1 goal with no assists. His reduced role became even more apparent when he failed to make a single starting appearance during PSG's 7-match Club World Cup campaign.

Champions League Heartbreak: Excluded from PSG's Biggest Moments

Perhaps the most telling sign of Lee Kang-in's diminished status at PSG was his exclusion from the club's most important matches. During PSG's historic Champions League campaign that ended in victory, Lee was notably absent from the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final.

This exclusion from crucial moments represents more than just tactical decisions – it signals a complete loss of confidence from the coaching staff. Despite his marketing value and popularity among Asian fans, Luis Enrique showed no hesitation in leaving the Korean midfielder out of the squad for these career-defining matches.

The Club World Cup final against Chelsea on July 14, 2025, provided another painful reminder of Lee's current status. While his teammates celebrated reaching the final, Lee watched from the sidelines, unable to contribute to what could have been another historic triumph for PSG.

Transfer Speculation: Napoli and Manchester United Circle

With Lee Kang-in's future at PSG looking increasingly bleak, several clubs have emerged as potential destinations. Napoli, ironically the club that sold Kvaratskhelia to PSG, appears to be the frontrunner for Lee's signature.

Manchester United, under new manager Ruben Amorim, has also shown interest in the Korean midfielder. The Red Devils see Lee as a player who could thrive in a system that better suits his technical abilities and playing style.

PSG has reportedly set Lee's transfer fee at €30 million (approximately $33 million), a figure that reflects both his potential and the club's desire to recoup a significant portion of their investment. The French club's sporting director Luis Campos is said to be eager to generate substantial profit from Lee's sale.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact: A Divided Community

The news of Lee Kang-in's potential departure has generated mixed reactions among PSG fans and the broader football community. While some supporters understand the business aspects of modern football, others feel that the club hasn't given the Korean midfielder sufficient opportunities to prove himself.

Korean football fans have been particularly vocal about the situation, with many expressing frustration at what they perceive as mismanagement of Lee's talents. The player's popularity in South Korea, evidenced by events like KT's Lee Kang-in fan store that attracted over 1,300 visitors on its opening day, demonstrates the cultural significance of his career trajectory.

Social media discussions have highlighted the broader issues of Asian players in European football, with many pointing to Lee's situation as an example of how talent alone isn't always enough to succeed at the highest level. The consensus among Korean fans appears to be that Lee would benefit from a move to a club where he can play regularly and develop his game.

Looking Ahead: What's Next for Lee Kang-in?

As the summer transfer window approaches, Lee Kang-in faces a crucial decision about his future. At 24, he's still young enough to rebuild his career at a new club, but the next move will be critical in determining whether he can fulfill his early promise.

PSG's willingness to sell, combined with interest from quality clubs like Napoli and Manchester United, suggests that Lee's European adventure is far from over. The key will be finding a club that can provide regular playing time and a tactical system that maximizes his strengths.

For PSG, selling Lee represents both financial opportunity and squad optimization. The club's focus on building around players like Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Doué suggests they're confident in their attacking options moving forward. However, letting go of a player with Lee's technical ability and marketing appeal could prove to be a decision they regret in the long term.