Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) flanker Lee Kang-in could be set for a position change in the French Ligue 1 season opener.
Lee started on the right flank for PSG’s 2023-24 Ligue 1 opener against Lorient at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on Sept. 13 (KST) and led the attack. PSG played to a scoreless draw against Lorient, but Lee’s performance drew positive reviews.
After the game, Lee was recognized for his performance by being named Man of the Match by the French Ligue 1 secretariat. The Ligue 1 secretariat said of Lee, “He deserves praise for revitalizing the PSG attack. On another day, they could have won. The void that Messi left at PSG is still huge, but Lee has done a great job of filling it. PSG may be disappointed with the result, but Lee will be happy with his performance as the first Korean to play for PSG.
Compared to the season opener against Lorient, PSG is expected to make a number of changes for the match against Toulouse on Tuesday. Mbappe, who has been at odds with PSG over his refusal to sign a new contract, returned to training with the team after the Lorient game. Barcelona striker Dembele, who PSG signed just before the start of the season, is also expected to start against Toulouse.
French outlet L’Equipe reported on Saturday that “Lee Kang-in could be given a new position in Toulouse. ‘PSG coach Luis Enrique is seriously considering playing him in the center of the park after Mbappe’s return to the first team. Lee, who played as a winger against Lorient, could replace Vitinha in midfield against Toulouse.
French outlet Foot1 also reported that ‘Lee could play in midfield for PSG this season if the club fails to add a midfielder before the end of the summer transfer window. PSG are not only looking to add a striker this summer, but also a creative midfielder. Bernardo Silva and Guendouzi, who PSG wanted to sign, are now out of the picture. New midfielder Beiga, who PSG wanted to sign, is said to be close to joining Napoli. In particular, “Luis Enrique could turn to Lee as an alternative in the middle of the park. He has shown that he can play in midfield without any problems.
PSG are also in the process of unloading their squad following Neymar’s move to Al Hilal on the 16th day of the season. Verratti, who has been a key midfielder for the past 10 seasons, has been linked with a move to Al Hilal, while midfielders such as Paredes, Henato Sanchez, and Weynaldum, who are classified as non-performing, are also expected to leave the club. While PSG is looking to add to its midfield with plans to offload a number of midfielders, it is expected to utilize Lee Kang-in as an attacking midfielder if it is not easy to find a replacement. 안전놀이터
After coming on as a substitute in the preseason match against Jeonbuk in Busan on March 3, Lee was up front alongside Neymar to lead the team’s attack, but a change of position is expected.