No ransom?…Mallorca pays ‘KING’ Lee Kang-in for a pittance
Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa, two clubs from La Liga and the Premier League, want South Korea’s future and present, Lee Kang-in.
His current club, Mallorca, are open to negotiating a lower price than the buy-out clause that allows them to transfer the player without negotiation if they pay a set amount.
Valencian newspaper Superdeporte reported on 30 January that “Lee has been linked to Atletico Madrid” and that Mallorca are negotiating for less than the buyout.안전놀이터
“In his second season at Mallorca, Lee has become one of the main resources and his name is known all over Europe,” the media outlet said.
Under Javier Aguirre, Lee has developed into an attacking midfielder who can also play on the flanks. His increased muscle mass has certainly added to his pace and improved his defence, which was lacking when he was involved in defence.
As a result, Lee is enjoying a career-high season in 2022/23, scoring six goals and providing five assists in 35 La Liga appearances.
There have been a number of big clubs interested in Lee, with Atletico Madrid leading the chase in La Liga. However, competition has arisen in the Premier League with Unai Emery, who guided Aston Villa to the Europa League last season, also wanting him.
The media reported that “Lee’s buyout clause is €30 million. Nevertheless, Mallorca may be willing to sell him for a transfer fee of just €20 million.”
Atletico are keen on Lee, not only because of his ability but also because he is a good fit for the Asian market. “He would be a great replacement for Saul Niguez,” said Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.
A move to Aston Villa is also being considered. Emery’s first full season in charge of the Villans is set to begin next season, having enjoyed success in the Premier League at only his second attempt.
The Egyptian capital club are flush with cash and could be tempted to make a move for Lee.
According to the Premier League’s revenue for each club in the 2022/23 season, published by the Mirror on 29 April, Villa earned a whopping £158 million ($258.3 million). That’s more than six times the buyout price for Lee.