Paris Saint-Germain’s summer window has been quiet on the arrivals front, even though the club has added Lucas Chevalier, Illya Zabarnyi and Renato Matin. The emphasis has instead been on trimming the squad, managing several undesired players, and keeping a broad roster under manager Luis Enrique.
On the departures side, a number of players have moved on: Renato Sanches has been loaned to Panathinaikos, Milan Skriniar has joined Fenerbahçe on a permanent deal, Nordi Mukiele has signed with Sunderland, and Arnau Tenas has returned to Spain with Villarreal. Despite these exits, PSG still lists important names in the squad, including Carlos Soler, Marco Asensio and Randal Kolo Muani. With playtime at a premium, several players who haven’t featured regularly could have sought a move, among them Kang-in Lee.
Kang-in Lee, the South Korean international brought into the rotation and who featured in 49 matches last season with 7 goals and 6 assists, has said he wants more minutes. At 24, interest is not hard to come by. Yet Luis Enrique is reluctant to shrink the squad and is resisting a departure. According to L’Equipe, PSG has rejected all offers so far, including a substantial one from Nottingham Forest.
Nottingham Forest have tabled a €30 million upfront offer plus €30 million in potential bonuses, a package that could reach €60 million if all conditions are met. It would have been a tempting deal, especially since PSG had signed Lee for around €22 million from Mallorca. However, Paris is not inclined to part with a player it views as a key part of its rotation, even if higher bids could surface. Other clubs, including Milan, Napoli and Fulham, are still monitoring the situation.
What this says about PSG’s strategy is clear: the club values depth and rotation options, prioritizing a bigger squad that can compete on multiple fronts and in various competitions. While they’ve cash in on several players, they’re not rushing to move Lee or other key squad members unless the price fits their long-term plans.
Outlook and context
– PSG’s approach reflects a balancing act between preserving a versatile squad and generating income from departures.
– The ongoing interest from European clubs in Lee indicates his market value remains high, but Paris’ current stance signals a preference to keep him in the group for now.
– The window still has time, and PSG could pivot if the right offer emerges for other players or if strategic reinforcements become available.
Summary: Paris Saint-Germain has chosen to fortify the back end and maintain a robust squad rather than flood the market with arrivals. While several exits have slimmed the payroll, the club remains cautious about selling a value-adding rotation player like Kang-in Lee, even as attention from rivals persists. A busy close to the window could still reshape the midfield and attacking options, depending on how negotiations unfold and how PSG’s remaining targets align with Enrique’s plans.