Lee Kang-in faces leaving in the summer

 

Paris Saint-Germain may be preparing for a significant reshuffle as reports intensify around the future of Lee Kang-in. The 24-year-old South Korean attacking midfielder, who joined PSG from Mallorca in July 2023, has reportedly hit a snag in contract talks, leaving his long-term role in doubt. According to multiple sources, negotiations to extend Lee’s deal have “reached a deadlock.” In practical terms, the French champions find themselves unable to agree new terms with a player under contract until 2028, potentially making Lee available to suitors. As one recent report notes, PSG’s failure to secure Lee’s commitment has “opened the door to potential suitors across Europe.” In short, Lee Kang-in — once a prized acquisition for €22 million — suddenly finds his PSG future in question as the transfer window approaches.

Lee Kang-in is not an unknown figure in European football. A product of Valencia’s academy and captain of Spain’s youth sides, Lee made a name at Mallorca, where he scored 6 goals and provided 7 assists in 2022/23. PSG signed him that summer on a contract running through June 2028, hoping his vision and left-footed craft would bolster a star-studded attack. In his first year in Paris he saw limited action, but he gradually found form: in 2024/25 Lee recorded 6 goals and 6 assists in Ligue 1. Even so, he often played second fiddle in Luis Enrique’s lineup. Observers note that, despite his talent, Lee “struggled for regular minutes in a well-honed attack” that already featured stars like Kylian Mbappé. The PSG media profile on Lee touts his versatility and technical skill, but reality is he has mostly come on as a substitute or started intermittently – a situation that may have left him frustrated.
In recent days that frustration appears to have boiled over. On May 27, Italian journalist Matteo Moretto tweeted that Lee’s contract renewal talks with PSG are “at a standstill.” Moretto’s messages (translated for French media) made it clear: Lee could be among the names on the summer market. “Several clubs are keeping a close eye on his situation,” he wrote, though he added that no formal offers have been made yet. The clubs monitoring Lee range widely – he specifically mentioned Napoli and “teams from the Premier League, Spain and Arabia” as tracking him. This alert came on the heels of PSG’s 3–0 win in the Coupe de France final, a match for which Lee was conspicuously rested. While PSG coach Enrique insisted Lee was simply being managed for fitness in the buildup to a tough summer schedule, the timing only fueled transfer talk. Even Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport noted that giving Lee a weekend off looked like a sign of trust, not a rift – yet the absence underscored a sense that something has shifted.

So Who Might Pay To Get Lee?

 In England, Manchester United have been widely reported as one of the most active suitors. But they would not have exclusive claim. Reports from the British press name Arsenal, Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and even Nottingham Forest on the list of clubs that have approached PSG or registered interest. England’s Wolves are also in the mix: new manager Ruben Amorim has identified Lee as a transfer target alongside his summer rebuild. On the continent, the interest is no less intense. Longtime admirer Atlético Madrid is reportedly gearing up for a bid – Simeone had chased Lee before his move to PSG, and now sees him as a left-footed creative missing piece. In Italy, Napoli are aggressively pursuing Lee to complement their evolving midfield under Antonio Conte. There has even been talk of clubs from the Saudi Pro League preparing high-wage offers for Lee, though one report adds that PSG is “not keen on letting the South Korean player go” easily. In other words, Lee’s phone is ringing.
Behind the scenes, the narrative at PSG has turned cautious. Last winter, every indication was that Lee was firmly “not for sale”; the club’s policy was to retain depth, not cash in. But now that public stance is being questioned. At least one PSG outlet has pointed out that Lee’s agents recently turned down an extension, suggesting the player is set on playing time over longevity. Media commentators have reacted with intrigue. The ParisFans site called Moretto’s scoop “completely credible,” noting especially that Lee’s absence from the cup final hinted the club might indeed be preparing a move. ParisFans columnist Nicolas B. wrote that it was “quite conceivable” PSG will open the door, pointing out that Lee “didn’t play” in a recent match and “may aspire to a more important role at another club.” RMC’s Fabrice Hawkins urged caution – after all, resting the squad has been a norm – but even he acknowledged that Lee’s situation must be watched. One analyst summed it up plainly: with “multiple Premier League and European sides circling,” PSG “must act quickly” if they truly hope to retain one of their most technically gifted players.
Looking ahead, what Lee’s saga means for PSG’s squad is clear: flexibility and funds. If Paris Saint-Germain do sell Lee, they will pocket a fee (some reports suggest at least the €22 million they originally paid) and free a spot on the roster. Those resources will likely be redirected toward other wide attackers or creative midfielders whom Enrique trusts more. PSG already feature stars like Mbappé and others on the wings, along with young talents and new signings; losing Lee would simply reinforce that the club is willing to let peripheral players go for the right price. Conversely, if he stays, Lee will almost certainly have to accept a rotational role given the talent ahead of him. Insiders note that Lee himself “prioritises career development over a high-profile destination” – and in Paris he was not the first choice. The fact that he feels “comfortable in Paris” seems to count for little if a better role is on offer elsewhere. In summary, Lee Kang-in has become a test case in PSG’s summer planning: they must decide whether to reinvest in a new attacker or put faith in the players already at Luis Enrique’s disposal. Whatever happens, his name will loom large in every transfer strategy meeting in Paris this summer.