PSG’s UEFA Super Cup hero reportedly eyeing exit from France, with Manchester United among suitors
On Wednesday, Paris Saint-Germain won the UEFA Super Cup by defeating Tottenham Hotspur in a penalty shootout after a late equalizer. But one of the French side’s heroes on the night is reportedly unhappy with his role and could leave the club, with Manchester United listed as a possible landing spot.
PSG had fallen behind 2–0 to the Spurs after goals from Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. In response, head coach Luis Enrique brought on Kang-in Lee in place of Warren Zaire-Emery with just over 20 minutes remaining. The South Korean midfielder made an immediate impact.
With only five minutes left in regulation, Kang-in received a pass from Vitinha near the box and fired a powerful left-footed strike into the net to make it 2–1. Riding that momentum, Gonçalo Ramos found the equalizer in stoppage time to send the match to penalties. Lee calmly converted his spot kick, playing a key role in securing the title for the French side.
Despite his heroics in the UEFA Super Cup, Kang-in Lee is reportedly considering a departure from PSG. “His original idea hasn’t changed. He’s still exploring the market. His intention remains the same: he wants to get more minutes and be a key player,” reported Diario Marca.
“PSG are not sure about letting him go,” the Spanish outlet added. “For Luis Enrique, Kang-in is a very useful player. He knows he can use him in any situation and that he brings solutions, and that’s why he has no interest in seeing him leave for another club.”
Two possible destinations for Kang-in Lee?
Kang-in Lee’s limited role at Paris Saint-Germain has attracted attention from major clubs across Europe’s top leagues, who view the 24-year-old midfielder as a player capable of contributing more in a larger role.
“He wants to explore the Premier League and Serie A options he has on the table to make a change in his career,” revealed Diario Marca. “Napoli and Manchester United have shown interest, and there are other clubs from both leagues in direct talks with the player in hopes of signing him.”
Napoli are the most recent champions of Italy and are aiming to carry that success into Europe through the UEFA Champions League. Manchester United offer a different kind of appeal—one of the most iconic clubs in world soccer, but currently in the midst of a rebuild and not competing in any European competition this season.
How much is Kang-in Lee worth?
After making his mark in La Liga with Real Mallorca, Kang-in Lee was signed by PSG in the summer of 2023 for €22 million (around $25 million), on a five-year contract running through June 30, 2028. Since joining the club, he has played in 86 matches, scoring 13 goals and adding 9 assists.
However, his role has mostly been secondary. The numbers reflect this: in fewer than half of those appearances, Lee started the match. In more demanding competitions such as the Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, his starting rate has been even lower.
Still, Kang-in’s talent and youth make him a valuable asset in the European market. According to transfer site Transfermarkt, his market value now stands at €25 million (roughly $29.1 million), slightly above the fee PSG paid two years ago.