‘Golden Boy’ Lee Kang-in (Mallorca) has a variable in his future.
There is a possibility of remaining in the Spanish Primera Liga, not the English Premier League. On the 28th (Korean time), reporter Mateo Moreto of Spain’s Relevo reported, “Atletico Madrid is showing interest in Lee Kang-in.” Reporter Moreto said, “Lee Kang-in is very close to Atletico. Atletico Madrid’s interest in Lee Kang-in has been there since Valencia’s youth days. We sent an offer last winter, but Mallorca rejected it. Now, the transfer to Atletico is closer than ever.” told
As is known, Lee Kang-in is likely to leave Mallorca at the end of this season. Lee Kang-in has been making sensational performances lately. Lee Kang-in exploded a multi-goal in the match against Getafe on the 24th. It was his first multi-goal in La Liga and the first multi-goal recorded by a Korean player in La Liga. In the previous match against Celta Vigo, he performed a one-man show. He succeeded in breaking through the dribble a whopping 9 times. According to Opta, a media specializing in football records and statistics, Lee Kang-in’s successful 9 dribbles against Celta Vigo are the first (in the history of the club) since Gonzalo Castro recorded the same record against Osasuna in 2009. Lee Kang-in was selected as the best player in the game recognized by La Liga for two consecutive matches.
Lee Kang-in, who was named as the team of the week on various statistics sites, was nominated for the Primera Liga’s Player of the Month. On the 27th, the La Liga Secretariat announced on the official channel that “7 people, including Lee Kang-in, were selected as candidates for the ‘April Player’.” Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Iñaki Williams (Bilbao), Marco Asensio (Real Madrid), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona), Yusif Nusayri (Sevilla), Salim Amalach (Vallladolid) along with Lee Kang-in are candidates. was selected as If Lee Kang-in wins the award, he can be selected as the first Korean player to be named La Liga Player of the Month. This is also the first time the nomination has been made.
Lee Kang-in, who moved to Mallorca in 2021 after passing through Valencia, Spain, is active as a key midfielder this season under coach Javier Aguirre’s new appointment. With his unique technique and creativity, Lee Kang-in is evaluated as a top-notch midfielder in Spain. His sharp left foot kick and ability to take off the pressure are enough to make viewers exclaim. Lee Kang-in has 5 goals and 4 assists this season. It’s a career high. If Mallorca’s strikers hadn’t missed the countless chances Lee Kang-in created, he could have scored more attack points. As such, Lee Kang-in’s ability to make big chances is at the highest level in La Liga. Dribbling is also considered the best in the league.
According to TransferMarkt, a European soccer transfer site, the value of Lee Kang-in, which fell to 6 million euros (about 8.5 billion won) last summer, rose to 15 million euros (about 21.4 billion won). Lee Kang-in has a contract with Mallorca until 2025. One thing to note is the buyout. His buyout amount is 18 million euros. According to a recent Spanish media report, it was known as 18 million euros instead of 30 million euros. Considering the recent ransom inflation in the European market, it can be evaluated at a low level.
As is known, Lee Kang-in promoted the transfer from last winter. Lee Kang-in also strongly wanted to transfer. He also had an uncomfortable relationship with the team. While Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Brighton in the English Premier League are reported to have attempted to recruit Lee Kang-in, Atletico Madrid, one of the three leaders of La Liga, directly made an offer. Mallorca objected, saying they could not sell the core of the team’s strength. In the end, Lee Kang-in stayed in Mallorca. Lee Kang-in raised his value with his outstanding performance in the second half.
Lee Kang-in is likely to leave Mallorca at the end of this season. Spanish media Ultima Ora said, ‘Lee Kang-in is a major player in Mallorca. Lee Kang-in, who came for free from Valencia, is likely to leave this summer,” he said. Then, he predicted, ‘As Mallorca brought Lee Kang-in without paying, the sale negotiations will go smoothly.’ Another Spanish media, Estadio Deportivo, said, ‘Lee Kang-in has a buyout amount. Many clubs are looking for the deal of the century’. “It is almost impossible for Mallorca to retain Lee Kang-in,” he said. Reporter Juanmi Sanchez, who is in charge of Mallorca, also said, “Let’s enjoy the rest of Lee Kang-in’s game as a Mallorca player.”
The most likely destination was England. Aston Villa was particularly active. Aston Villa has changed drastically since Unai Emery took over as manager. As both performance and performance improved, they rose to 6th place in the Premier League. It is aiming to participate in competitions organized by the European Football Federation. Coincidentally, Lee Kang-in’s agent Javier Garrido recently visited Aston Villa. On the 13th, Garrido reported on his SNS that he had visited Man City and Aston Villa clubs. He posted a picture of the Etihad Stadium, home of Man City, and Villa Park, home of Villa. On the 12th, reporter Mateo Moreto of Relevo, Spain, said, ‘Lee Kang-in and Abde Ezalzuli’s agents are currently in England. Transfer negotiations may proceed within the next few days.” 안전놀이터
In addition to Aston Villa, West Ham, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, Burnley, etc. showed interest in Lee Kang-in. But with this report, the atmosphere is changing. Moretto said, “Aston Villa, Burnley, Brighton, Wolverhampton, etc. have even heard the requirements for signing Lee Kang-in. However, the situation has reversed in recent hours. Atletico Madrid rejoined the recruitment competition with a very determined attitude, and Diego Manager Simeone also approved the signing.” Coincidentally, Lee Kang-in was substituted for the match against Atletico Madrid on the 27th and played a big role. He made a strong impression with his fantasy dribbling reminiscent of Lionel Messi. Atlético Madrid’s leadership also appears to have been impacted.
Moreto said, “Mallorca wants between 15 million and 20 million euros (approximately 22.1 to 29.5 billion won), and Atletico Madrid will continue to negotiate.” Atletico Madrid will visit Korea this summer as part of Coupang Play. This is one more reason to recruit Lee Kang-in from Atletico Madrid’s point of view. Moreover, Atlético Madrid are making attack reinforcement their number one priority this summer. From Lee Kang-in’s point of view, staying in La Liga, which does not require adaptation in terms of language or culture, is definitely an option to choose. “Nothing can be said for sure in the transfer market until the contract is put on paper,” said Moreto.