Paris Saint-Germain has agreed to release its South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-In to take part in the Asian Games which begin next week, the country’s national football federation announced on Friday.
Bought for 22 million euros this summer from Mallorca, the neo-Parisian will be released by PSG after the first meeting of the reigning French champions in the Champions League on Tuesday against Borrussia Dortmund at the Parc des Princes.
“Lee should then leave France on Wednesday for Hangzhou” in China to join the Espoirs, the South Korean football federation said in a press release, confirming “an agreement” with the club.
South Korean Espoirs coach Hwang Sun-hong had expressed his frustration the day before, while PSG remained unclear about whether or not to make their 22-year-old attacking midfielder available.
Lee Kang-In was sidelined for four weeks last month with a thigh injury, but was “largely recovered”, Hwang Sun-hong said.
“I have been in personal contact with Kang-in and he wants to join us as soon as possible,” Hwang said. “But our discussions with PSG regarding the timetable for his arrival do not seem to be progressing, so I am disappointed.”
The Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou from September 19 to October 8, are not part of the official calendar of the International Federation (Fifa), like the Olympic football tournament.
Thus, PSG was not obliged to release its player.
South Korea, which is aiming for a third consecutive gold medal, will face Kuwait on Tuesday, the same day as PSG-Dortmund.