PSG reached the final, but Lee Kang-in played '0 minutes,' leaving only Tottenham to smile... "If they avoid relegation, we'll sign him" → Transfer rumors grow stronger

*This content was translated by AI.

Although France's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) advanced to the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final, South Korean forward Lee Kang-in (25, PSG) played just one minute across the two quarterfinal matches, leaving him with regrets. Lee Kang-in's limited playing time is a notable situation for Tottenham (England), which is eyeing him.

On the 7th (Korean time), PSG drew 1-1 in an away match against Bayern Munich (Germany) at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, in the second leg of the 2025-2026 UCL quarterfinals. In the first leg, PSG had won 5-4 in a high-scoring match. With a combined score of 6-5 across both legs, PSG advanced to the final to challenge for back-to-back titles.

Last season, PSG achieved a European treble (three major titles), including the UCL championship, for the first time in the club's history. They are now aiming to reach the summit of European football once again.

However, Lee Kang-in did not play a single minute in the second leg. Although he was named on the substitute bench, PSG manager Luis Enrique opted for Bradley Barcola and other options. Moreover, since PSG took the lead in the third minute of the first half, the focus shifted to strengthening the defense rather than adding attacking options. In the second half, defenders Lucas Hernandez and Lucas Beraldo were substituted in.

Lee Kang-in also watched the first quarterfinal match from the bench. Although PSG advanced to the final, it appears unlikely that Lee Kang-in will see significant playing time given the current situation.

However, for Tottenham, Lee Kang-in's absence could be a welcome signal. The club has been consistently extending love calls to Lee Kang-in this season. Earlier, the British outlet Talk Sport stated, "If Tottenham avoids relegation, they will resume efforts to sign PSG forward Lee Kang-in." It added, "Tottenham is expected to re-enter the race to sign the talented PSG forward Lee Kang-in this summer. Lee Kang-in has not yet signed a new contract with PSG. He is now attracting interest from several EPL clubs monitoring the situation."

Lee Kang-in's contract with PSG has approximately two years remaining. According to reports, PSG wants to retain Lee Kang-in due to his high growth potential and ability to play multiple positions. However, Lee Kang-in is now facing a dilemma due to his limited playing time. Since donning the PSG jersey in 2023, he has often been excluded from major matches like this UCL quarterfinal. He has primarily been used as a late-game substitute or deployed against relatively weaker league opponents, serving to reduce the physical burden on starting players. If he seeks more playing time, a new challenge may be necessary.

Tottenham is aiming to take advantage of this situation to bring Lee Kang-in to the club. Talk Sport reported, "EPL clubs are aware of this situation, and some are seriously monitoring Lee Kang-in's future. Tottenham attempted to sign Lee Kang-in last January and continues to maintain interest. However, whether Tottenham will pursue the transfer will only be known after their EPL survival is confirmed. They must remain in the top division to invest significant funds in the transfer market."

This season, Tottenham sits 17th in the league with 9 wins, 10 draws, and 16 losses (37 points). They are engaged in a fierce battle for survival with 18th-placed West Ham (36 points). For now, securing EPL survival takes priority over strengthening the squad. However, if they successfully remain in the top division, they are likely to become more active in the race to sign Lee Kang-in.

The media stated, "Arsenal and Chelsea have long held Lee Kang-in in high regard. They have been monitoring him as part of their plans to strengthen their attacking midfield. Aston Villa and Newcastle have also been informed of Lee Kang-in's situation." It further emphasized, "PSG wants to sign a new contract with Lee Kang-in, but negotiations are progressing slowly. With growing interest from EPL clubs, the coming months could be a crucial period in determining Lee Kang-in's transfer fate."

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*This content was translated by AI.