Lee Kang-in's starting member → Relegation of replacement resources and faltering location fantasy AS are also worried in the second half of the year

Feb 24, 2025

There came a situation where Lee Kang-in could not be just happy.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) beat Olympique Lyon 3-2 in the 23rd round of the 2024-2025 season at the Grupama Stadium in Lyon, France, at 4:45 a.m. on the 24th (Korea time). With this victory, PSG continued its run to the championship.

Lee Kang-in also prepared for the game on the bench. PSG and Lyon continued to fight tight throughout the first half. There was a crack in the game in the second half. In the 8th minute of the second half, PSG took the lead when Ashraf Hakimi finished the pass that Bradley Barcola stabbed. In the 14th minute of the second half, Usman Dembele scored a fantastic one-man goal.

As the game was further tilted, Lee Kang-in was put in place of Barcola in the 29th minute of the second half. However, PSG lost a point to Rayan Sherki in the 38th minute of the second half. PSG needed a shot to end the game, and Lee Kang-in stepped up.In the 40th minute of the second half, Nunu Mendes stabbed Gonzalo Hamus to cross, and Hamus gave the ball to Lee Kang-in after a fantastic touch. Lee Kang-in gave Hakimi, who penetrated from the right, a chance to score, and Hakimi finished.

PSG lost another point in the second half of the extra time, so Hakimi's score from Lee Kang-in's toe was really big. Lee Kang-in finished the match against Lyon with a victory by completing six goals and five assists of the season.

Lee Kang-in is showing good performance even after coming out as a substitute, but his position is clearly shaking. Looking at the last five games in which Lee Kang-in played, the only game that started was a league game against Toulouse. This day was a game in which PSG coach Luis Enrique rotated his rotation. All four games that Lee Kang-in did not start were important to PSG.

Lee Kang-in was not a starter in the two UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16 playoff games against AS Monaco and Lyon, which are at the top of the league, and Brest. The change occurred when a competitor was added and a competitor who performed worse than Lee Kang-in came up.

In this winter's transfer market, PSG hired Napoli ace Khvicha Kravatshelia for a large amount of money. Hbicha was brought in for the fourth most expensive transfer in PSG history. Just by looking at the transfer fee, it is virtually guaranteed its position as a main player for the time being.

With Khvicha's recruitment, PSG has even made Bradley Barcola and Usman Dembele the main pillars of the offense. Lee Kang-in, who often played as a right winger, has been playing only in midfielder positions since Hvitsa arrived.

Another problem here is the increase in Desiree's performance. Due is a prospect born in 2005 and PSG recruited him ahead of this season. Since he is a French national, he is also highly anticipated in France. However, after joining PSG, Due didn't seem to melt well into the team. In the main competition, Lee Kang-in was ahead of Du.

However, as Du-e's performance has risen rapidly in recent years, coach Enrique is increasingly sending Du-e out first. Due seems to be more highly evaluated in that he is a more aggressive player than Lee Kang-in.

The reality is that Lee Kang-in does not have the upper hand in competition with other midfielders. João Neves and Vitinha are indispensable players at PSG. Fabien Ruiz is also fully elevated to the starting lineup from 2025.

If there is no change in position for the rest of the season, Lee Kang-in will also be troubled. Lee Kang-in is not just young because he was born in 2001. The age is approaching when he will run steadily and clearly spend his prime. There are few clubs in the world that are larger than PSG, but if Lee Kang-in wants a steady business trip, he may listen to other clubs who are interested in Lee Kang-in. Last winter, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United were also interested in Lee Kang-in.