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

*This content was translated by AI.

Although French club 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 in England, which is eyeing him.

On the 7th (Korean time), PSG drew 1-1 in an away match against Bayern Munich (Germany) at the 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 two-leg score of 6-5, PSG advanced to the final and will 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 once again aiming to reach the summit of European football.

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 other options such as Bradley Barcola. 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 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 a love call 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 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, primarily due to playing time. Since donning the PSG jersey in 2023, he has often been excluded from major matches like this UCL quarterfinal. He has mainly been used as a late-game joker or substituted in against relatively weaker opponents in the league, 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 signing 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). Strengthening the squad is secondary to the immediate priority of remaining in the EPL. However, if they successfully avoid relegation, there is a possibility they will more actively pursue signing Lee Kang-in.

The media stated, "Arsenal and Chelsea have also highly valued Lee Kang-in for a long time. 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 a new contract with Lee Kang-in, but negotiations are progressing slowly. Given the growing interest from EPL clubs, the coming months could be a crucial period in determining Lee Kang-in's transfer fate."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.