On May 11, 2025, Lee Kang-in made a significant return to the pitch, playing a full 90 minutes as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) triumphed over Montpellier with a resounding 4-1 victory in the 33rd round of the 2024-2025 French Ligue 1. This match, held at the Stade de la Mosson, marked Lee's first full-time appearance in three months, yet he left the field without any offensive contributions.
Lee, often referred to as the 'Golden Boy', has faced a challenging season, characterized by limited playing time and recent injury setbacks. Despite being on the field for the entirety of the match, his performance was rated in the low 6-point range by various football statistics outlets. He recorded one key pass, one shot, and won three ball contests, but these statistics did not reflect the impact expected from a player of his caliber.
In stark contrast, Gonsalo Ramos, who came off the bench, shone brightly by scoring a hat-trick, leading PSG to their convincing win. Ramos's performance earned him a high rating in the 9-point range, highlighting the disparity in contributions on the field during the match.
Lee's recent struggles have been compounded by the arrival of new talent at PSG, including Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and the emergence of Desire Doue, which have further limited his opportunities. This match saw Lee deployed as a left midfielder in a 3-3-1-2 formation, a position he has not frequently occupied, which may explain his subdued performance.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Lee is his recent decision to remove 'PSG' from his Instagram profile, stirring speculation about a possible transfer. Fans have been quick to connect this move with ongoing rumors linking him to a potential switch to Arsenal in the English Premier League. Reports suggest that the Gunners are considering a bid of around €20 million (approximately 31.6 billion won) for the midfielder, who has been a pivotal figure for PSG since his arrival.
Lee's last post related to PSG was nearly two months ago, and while some fans interpret his social media activity as a sign of discontent, others caution against jumping to conclusions, noting that he also removed other PSG-related references.
After sustaining an injury during the World Cup qualifiers against Oman on March 20, 2025, Lee underwent a month of rehabilitation before returning to the pitch. However, his reintegration into the squad has been less than smooth, as he has been sidelined during crucial matches, including both legs of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal.
Despite PSG having already secured the Ligue 1 title earlier in the season, Lee's frustrations have been palpable. The team has recorded an impressive 25 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses, accumulating 81 points with just one league game remaining. Their recent form had dipped slightly with one draw and two losses in their last three matches, making this victory against Montpellier a crucial turnaround.
PSG's next match will be their final home league game against Auxerre on May 18, 2025, where they will lift the trophy for their fourth consecutive league title. Following that, they will face Lens in the Coupe de France final on May 25, 2025, before the highly anticipated UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan on June 1, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
Lee's situation at PSG remains uncertain as he navigates the challenges of competition within the squad and the swirling transfer rumors. With his contract situation and potential moves to clubs like Arsenal or Napoli in the spotlight, the coming weeks will be pivotal for the young midfielder. As Lee continues to adapt to his role and regain his form, fans will be watching closely to see if he can re-establish himself as a key player for PSG or if a change of scenery is on the horizon.
