Lee Kang-in was only managed as a break.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won 7-0 in the quarterfinals of the Coupe de France in the 2024-2025 season against Stade Briocchamps (fourth division) at Roazon Parc in Rennes, France, at 5:10 a.m. on the 27th (Korean time). With this victory, PSG easily advanced to the semifinals of the Coupe de France.
PSG always releases its roster of players on its official channel ahead of the game. The call-up list refers to the players who will be called up to the stadium on this day. Lee Kang-in, who was playing in all the games played by PSG this season, was suddenly announced not to be called up.
PSG has a medical update on Lee Kang-in and Vitinha on its official website on the 25th ahead of the Brio Xiang match. The two players went to the gym today for recovery training", he explained.
Locally, he explained that the list was excluded as a measure of recovery. France's Le Parisien said "Lee Kang-in and Vitinya were continuing to recover in the gym with no cases of causing concern within the club. PSG coach Luis Enrique said, "We continue to manage the physical strength of the players by applying a specific program."
On the day PSG excluded Lee Kang-in from the call-up list, rumors of a superb release broke out. France's live foot said on the 26th that `Lee Kang-in, recruited by PSG to meet international standards, has not fully met expectations. PSG is already gearing up for a summer transfer window sale and is looking for a replacement for Lee Kang-in," he reported.
The media reported that "PSG made a good move using Lee Kang-in." The relatively low transfer fee, the technical capabilities that Enrique wants, and the potential of the Asian market. However, the meeting between PSG and Lee Kang-in is not as successful as expected. Accordingly, PSG is reviewing Lee Kang-in's position. Lee Kang-in is struggling in Enrique's squad. Failed to rise to the core. Now PSG is watching another player," he said.
However, Lee Kang-in's absence has nothing to do with the transfer rumor. France's RMC Sports reporter Fabrice Hawkins said on her personal social media that `Lee Kang-in, Vitinya and Gianluigi Donnarumma rest in the quarterfinals of the Coupe de France against Briochamps. This is Enrique's leadership before meeting LOSC Lille and Liverpool", he explained. Giving a player a break like this means that the coach cares about the player.
If Lee Kang-in was nominated for release and he didn't like Coach Enrique, there is no reason to give him such a break. Rather, Lee Kang-in would have chosen to use it when meeting the fourth division team and take it out when meeting the strong team.
Crucially, this winter's transfer market alone, PSG said it would never sell players, calling the sale of Lee Kang-in 'NFS (Not For Sale)'. It has been confirmed several times through leading reporters.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United were also interested in Lee Kang-in in the transfer market this winter. Manchester United and Newcastle have been linked to Lee Kang-in for a long time. In particular, Arsenal seriously considered recruiting Lee Kang-in. Arsenal needed two-term reinforcements due to Bukayo Saka's injury and Martin Odegaard's slump.
However, PSG did not even consider selling Lee Kang-in. "PSG has received several requests for Lee Kang-in, but at the moment, it has no intention of breaking up with him," said Loic Tanzi, a reporter for L'Equipe in France. Lee Kang-in, who has played 24 games since August and has been a 14-time starter, is highly regarded by EnriquePSG said it is not considering selling Lee Kang-in.
Another transfer market expert, Fabrizio Romano, also said, `Despite the interest of the two clubs in the English Premier League, PSG is not considering letting Lee Kang-in leave in January. "The club's position is still clear as it is highly rated by the club."
PSG's position was the same in the summer transfer market in 2024. PSG asked Napoli to sign Victor Osimhen and offered to hand over the transfer fee with the player. When Napoli demanded Lee Kang-in, PSG took out the negotiation table. As such, Lee Kang-in is currently considered an important player in PSG.
Considering the transfer, Lee Kang-in will have to do it. After Khvicha Kravatshelia was recruited in the winter transfer market, Lee Kang-in often came to the bench rather than starting in major games. Lee Kang-in's position narrowed as French prospect Desiree Doue grew rapidly. Lee Kang-in is not just young, so if he wants to play as a main player, he may find another team.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
