‘Shock’ Lee Kang-in, ATM and transfer negotiations finally broke down… Finally counting down to entering the EPL “This week’s decision”
It wasn’t Atletico Madrid, which was mentioned as the most likely next destination. Local media in Spain reported that negotiations between Lee Kang-in (22, Real Mallorca) and Atletico Madrid had broken down. If this is the case, it seems that the entry into the English Premier League (EPL) stage has entered the countdown.
Spanish media Lelebo said on the 12th (Korean time), “Lee Kang-in will not sign with Atletico Madrid (Kang-In Lee no fichara por el Atletico)” and “Lee Kang-in and Atletico Madrid’s negotiations have broken down (las negociaciones, rotas).” This is shocking news.
In fact, it is because Atletico Madrid has been mentioned as one of the teams Lee Kang-in will play next season. According to Spanish media Pichajes last month, Diego Simeone (53, 53, Argentina) Coach Atlético Madrid requested the signing of three players to reinforce the team’s squad: Spain’s Elche striker Lucas Boye, Paris Saint-Germain’s multiplayer Carlos Soler, and Lee Kang-in. He is only 22 years old. He is a player with a bright future,” he said, “and he will be able to become a key member of Simeone’s coach.” It boasts the best public confidence among reporters who convey the story, so more attention is paid to it.
◆ Unless a dramatic reversal occurs, Lee Kang-in will not go to Atletico Madrid.On this day, Lelebo said, “A talented Korean soccer player (Lee Kang-in) will not go to Atletico Madrid. Real Mallorca and Atletico Madrid have not been able to reach an agreement on the transfer. “Lee Kang-in will decide his future by playing outside of Spain this week,” he said.
If you put together the local reports that have come out in Europe, there are many clubs in other leagues that want Lee Kang-in, even if it is not Atletico Madrid. EPL teams such as Tottenham, Aston Villa, Newcastle, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Wolverhampton, including Son Heung-min’s Tottenham, who is active as the ace of Korean soccer, have been mentioned. In addition, Burnley, which was promoted to the EPL from the Championship League (second division) last season, was also selected as one of the candidates. There is also the possibility of staying in Spain. Real Sociedad, who finished this season in 4th place and secured a ticket to the Champions League, and Real Betis, who succeeded in advancing to the Europa League in 6th place, are also known to be interested in Lee. Real Sociedad is attracting more attention as ‘friend of the same age’ Takefusa Kubo (22) is playing. In addition, reporter Mateo Moreto claimed that Manchester United, a world-renowned club, inquired about Lee Kang-in’s recruitment. Napoli of Italy’s Serie A and Paris Saint-Germain of Ligue 1 of France are also linked with Kang-in Lee.메이저사이트
Previously, the British media The Sun said, “Lee Kang-in is a front-line striker and a resource that can digest both sides,” and “Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Burnley are enthusiastic about Lee Kang-in.” In particular, Newcastle (finished 4th in the 2022-23 season), which succeeded in advancing to the UEFA Champions League last season, has strong financial power. In the 2021-22 season, it was acquired by a consortium led by the Saudi Arabian Sovereign Wealth Fund (PIF) and made a bold investment. The investment soon paid off. It was the so-called ‘oil money’ power. Newcastle, which has to digest the Champions League schedule, is expected to be able to build a more solid squad if Lee Kang-in is recruited. From Lee Kang-in’s point of view, just being able to play on the Champions League stage can be a great motivation.
Lelebo said, “Lee Kang-in has been receiving a lot of attention from not only EPL clubs but also Atletico Madrid since last January. After that, contact between Real Mallorca and Atletico Madrid continued over Lee Kang-in. In fact, last April Civitas Metropolitano ( The match between the two teams took place at Atletico Madrid’s home stadium in Madrid, Spain, and officials from both sides met and talked. He went out,” he said.
◆ Atletico Madrid, who wanted Lee Kang-in so much, why did the negotiations break down?Continuing, the media continued, “In recent weeks, officials have met and continued negotiations. However, an agreement that satisfies everyone was not finally reached. Real Mallorca wanted a trade-type deal that included Rodrigo Riquelme (23). But, Atletico Madrid did not respond.” Rodrigo Riquelme from Atletico Madrid was loaned to Girona FC this season and performed well. He appeared in 34 league matches, scoring 4 goals and 4 assists. Like Lee Kang-in, Riquelme is a young resource who can play as a side-attacking midfielder. From Real Mallorca’s point of view, even if Lee Kang-in leaves, Riquelme will be able to fill his void. However, negotiations between the two sides seem to have gone wrong as Atlético Madrid refused to do so.
Lelebo said, “Lee Kang-in is receiving love calls from other European clubs, including the EPL. In the past few days, more progress has been made and an agreement has already been reached. Lee Kang-in is 99.9% unlikely to go despite Atletico Madrid’s firm interest. And within this week, Lee Kang-in’s future will be decided.”
Another local Spanish media, Football España, also published the same news on the same day, reinforcing the rumor of a breakup. Football España quoted Relevo’s report that “Atletico Madrid is likely to miss Korean star Lee Kang-in.” “There are many teams that want Lee Kang-in. He played 36 games in the Spanish Primera Liga this season, scoring 6 goals and 7 assists. “Given these numbers, the Asian marketing side, and his talent, it’s very likely that he will leave Mallorca this summer.”
This season, Lee Kang-in showed an outstanding performance. He contributed to Mallorca’s retention with the team’s second most goals and most assists. Most successful offensive points in a single season since his debut. With Lee Kang-in’s performance, Mallorca marked 14 wins, 8 draws and 16 losses (50 points), and was able to take 9th place out of 20 teams in the league. WhoScored.com, a European football statistics media, gave Lee Kang-in a rating of 7.09, the highest rating among major players in Mallorca. His stable ball guarding ability and penetrating pass that catches opponents off guard, as well as his flashing skills and dribbling skills, made Korean fans go wild. In particular, he succeeded in breaking through an average of 2.5 dribbles per game, ranking third in the entire league in this category. The total number of dribble breakthroughs reached 90 times. In the Primera Liga, the only player with more dribble breakthroughs than Lee Kang-in was Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior (112), who is considered a ‘world class’. He was also named the official MVP of the Match six times by the Spanish Primera Liga Secretariat.
Along with Lee Kang-in’s performance, there were reports that the buyout amount also changed. A buyout is a clause that allows players to be recruited without the consent of their team if they pay more than the standard amount. The contract period between Lee Kang-in and Real Mallorca is until June 2025, and there are still two years left, but due to the buyout clause, it is virtually impossible to press down. Spanish media Marca said, “Lee Kang-in’s buyout amount changes depending on his personal performance.” “His value is much higher than last season. The current buyout amount is 25 million euros (about 35 billion won).” Previously, Football España also reported, “Lee Kang-in’s previous buyout amount was 17 million euros (about 24 billion won), but the current buyout amount is 25 million euros.” Of course, there is an analysis that if Lee Kang-in’s buyout price rises, it will adversely affect Lee’s transfer. This is because the higher the buyout amount, the more financially burdensome the teams wanting to recruit Lee Kang-in. However, considering Lee Kang-in’s future growth value and potential, this amount may not be expensive.
Looking at the teams that have been connected with Lee Kang-in so far, they boast outstanding names. First of all, Atletico Madrid is considered as one of the three captains representing the Spanish Primera Liga, along with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Newcastle and Manchester United have managed to advance to the Champions League finals after consistently maintaining the top spot in the league. Napoli is the winner of Serie A. If Lee Kang-in plays on the Champions League stage, it is expected that he will be able to attract more attention from big clubs. In fact, in an atmosphere where entry into Atletico Madrid is far away, which team uniform will Lee Kang-in wear next season? Korean soccer fans are already paying attention.