Atletico Madrid are in the running to sign Lee Kang-In. There are even concrete offers.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported on the 2nd (KST), “Atletico really like Lee Kang-in. He can play both in the center and on the flanks. He can dribble in front of the opponent and break through. He’s been a target for Atletico for a long time. He can also play the role of Yannick Carrasco. He’s also a possible replacement for the departing Thomas Lemar. His ability to connect, turn quickly and execute his thoughts is excellent.” 안전놀이터
“We want to mitigate the potential departure of Carrasco and Lemar by signing Lee Kang-in. Along with Lee, Samuel Lino (Valencia) is on Atletico’s radar.”
Lee has been sensational this season. Whereas in his first season at Valencia and Real Mallorca he was an unfinished package of potential, he is now a complete package. His flaws have been erased and his strengths maximized. His physicality, pace, and defensive involvement have improved significantly.
His dribbling, interceptions, and key passes have only gotten better. Recently, he was named the official La Liga Man of the Match again for his performance against his hometown club Valencia. It was his sixth time this season. His dribbling was so good that he was compared to Lionel Messi and Vinicius Junior.
Over 10 offensive points. Appeared in 35 league games (33 starts), scoring six goals and providing five assists. With a solid attacking pattern of Lee setting up and Mourinho finishing, Mallorca secured a mid-table finish early on.
Transfers are becoming a reality. Spain’s OK Diario reports, “Lee will play his last game for Son Moix. One of the greatest players to play for Mallorca in the last 10 years is leaving. With a cheap buyout clause, the transfer is a no-brainer.” “Lee scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 72 games for Mallorca. This season, he became the club’s second top scorer behind Bedat Murki. The partnership between him and Mourinho has created 20 of Mallorca’s 34 goals (14 for Mourinho and 6 for Lee), over 60% of the club’s goals. He will be sorely missed.”
Atletico is the favorite. Atletico have wanted Lee since last winter, when they were looking for a midfielder to replace Saul Niguez and take the pressure off Antoine Griezmann. He can play on the flanks or in the center, is very active, and has the ability to set up attacks. His dribbling skills are among the best in Spanish La Liga. He would definitely add a dynamic element to a static Atletico team.
‘OK Diario’ reported on June 2, “Atletico have delivered their first official offer to Mallorca for Lee Kang-in. The first offer includes money and players. Lee’s release clause is 25 million euros (about 35 billion won). His transfer would mean the transfer of Thomas Lemar.”
The transfer fee is the key. “For Atletico, the transfer fee for Lee looks high,” said Mundo Deportivo. Atletico are thinking of offering €15 million, with a loan offer for Rodrigo Riquelme, to reduce Mallorca’s asking price.” Riquelme is a player that Atletico have worked hard to develop, and he was the top assists man at Mirandes in La Liga2 last season (12), and he’s been in decent form for Girona this season with four goals and four assists.
It’s a decent proposition for Mallorca. Although he’s right-footed, unlike Lee, he likes to play on the left side of the pitch and has a decent dribble and kick, so he could fill Lee’s shoes to some extent. The price tag is very attractive as you can at least fill the void of Lee Kang-in and earn a profit.