Lee Kang-in on the Verge of Leaving PSG After Two Years

Lee Kang-in (24) is reportedly nearing an exit from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after two years with the club. Italian outlet Areanapoli reported on May 27 that Napoli is once again interested in acquiring the South Korean player, having attempted to sign him during the winter transfer window. According to the report, the club had shown interest in Lee and had even proposed a trade as part of the deal involving Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The report further states that PSG had previously blocked Lee's departure during the winter transfer window, but the situation may have changed. PSG is not ruling out the possibility of a transfer, and a move could materialize during the summer transfer window. Napoli is expected to face stiff competition but is monitoring the situation closely, as Lee is a highly sought-after player.

The information from Areanapoli was based on a report by Matteo Moreto from Spain's Relevo, who noted that negotiations for a contract extension between Lee and PSG have reached an impasse. He mentioned that Lee could become one of the standout players in the summer transfer market, with several clubs keeping a close eye on his situation. However, no club has reached a final agreement with PSG yet, although Napoli, Premier League clubs, Spanish clubs, and Saudi Arabian clubs have all expressed interest.

Moreto's insights are particularly noteworthy as he has previously provided exclusive reports on Lee's situation, including updates on clubs like Atletico Madrid and Mallorca. This lends credibility to the notion that Lee's departure from PSG is becoming increasingly likely.

As the season draws to a close, it appears that Lee is set to part ways with PSG. Earlier, Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo reported that PSG is prepared to allow Lee's transfer as they gear up for the next season, with Arsenal showing interest and his market value already established.

A significant factor in this potential move is Lee's drastically reduced playing time. Since the winter transfer window, his role has diminished, and despite his versatility in playing various positions, he has failed to secure a definitive spot in the lineup, becoming more of a rotational player. In crucial UEFA Champions League matches, he has consistently found himself on the bench.

Recently, Lee has struggled to get on the pitch, remaining on the bench during the final league match against Auxerre and not playing a single minute in the Coupe de France final against Stade de Reims, indicating he has been completely sidelined from coach Luis Enrique's plans. If this trend continues, he is likely to miss the upcoming Champions League final against Inter Milan on June 1.

Lee has also hinted at a possible transfer himself by removing PSG's name from his Instagram bio earlier this month, leading fans to speculate that he may be signaling his intent to leave. This move echoes his previous action when he removed Mallorca's name before joining PSG.

While PSG reportedly wishes to extend Lee's contract due to his ability to play multiple roles, negotiations have hit a snag. Given the star-studded roster at PSG, it is challenging for the club to guarantee Lee the playing time he desires, making it difficult to reach a consensus.

Considering the significant reduction in his playing time in the second half of the season, staying at PSG is becoming a dilemma for Lee. This season, he has played 45 matches, scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists, but his average playing time is only 53.2 minutes. The possibility of a transfer has already been discussed in prominent French media outlets like L'Équipe.

With Moreto confirming interest from Napoli and other clubs, Napoli emerges as a strong contender for Lee's next destination. Areanapoli cited Italian daily La Repubblica, reporting that Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Napoli's sporting director, is focusing on acquiring two wingers, including Lee, to fill the gap left by Kvaratskhelia's departure in January.

La Repubblica emphasized that Napoli must make significant efforts to strengthen their squad, particularly needing two attacking wingers. They are considering both Lee, who does not hold EU citizenship, and Edon Zhegrova (26, LOSC Lille), which complicates their roster decisions regarding non-EU player quotas. If Napoli values Lee highly and seeks to acquire him as part of the Kvaratskhelia deal, PSG may expedite negotiations. Fans are eager to see what performance Lee could deliver if he joins the Serie A champions this season.