The FIFA World Cup 2022 has brought the limelight to many little-known names who are now destined to make it big in club football. Kang-in Lee is one of them who has been a past target of Newcastle United and if a report from Marca is believed to be true, the Magpies are ready to reignite their interest in the Mallorca youngster.
While the likes of Burnley and Feyenoord are also keeping close eyes on the South Korean sensation, the financial supremacy as well as Premier League resurgence has put the Toon Army in the driver’s seat to trigger his release clause of £14m. He has not only represented his nation in all three group stage encounters but also played a massive role en route to securing a Round-Of-16 berth.
The versatile Korean progressed through the academy ranks of Valencia at the age of 10. After an impressive youth spell, Lee was promoted to their reserve squad to experience senior minutes in the Segunda División B. Although he featured sporadically for the La Liga outfit, a lack of impact high up the pitch saw him being transfer listed in the summer of 2021. The player, therefore, decided to terminate his Los che contract and join the fellow Spanish side Mallorca on a Bosman.
Why Newcastle United Should Rope Him In
Meanwhile, the move proved to be an instant success both for him and his employers. He showed his versatility across the frontline, also his composure as a midfield attacker left an impact as a utility option. He was mostly deployed as a ‘super sub’ to put his pace, flair and finesse to use all throughout the 2021-22 campaign, however, the young attacker is now featuring regularly under Javier Aguirre so far this season.
Lee has netted twice and registered 3 assists in 14 La Liga outings, but the most dramatic one was against former club Valencia as his late strike secured Mallorca’s win at Mestalla.
Newcastle United are in stupendous form and have secured some exciting signings over the past two windows. Eddie Howe prefers a 4-3-3 with either box-to-box or deep-lying central midfielders, but the addition of the South Korean international would offer a different kind of threat due to his attacking traits as a ‘number 10’.
Despite various rumours in recent months, the Tynesiders are unlikely to move for James Maddison in January. Lee could be a cheaper yet effective alternative given his emergence in Spanish football and it remains to be seen whether a transfer takes place by next month.
