[스포츠한국 이정철 기자] In the English Premier League (EPL), interest in Lee Kang-in (22, Real Mallorca) is hot. Aston Villa made an official offer to Mallorca for Lee Kang-in. British media predicted that Aston Villa and Newcastle United would compete.
British media Cut Offside said on the 11th (Korean time), “Aston Villa submitted a proposal to recruit Korean striker Lee Kang-in from Mallorca.” Aston Villa offered 13.5 million euros (approximately 18.1 billion won) for Lee Kang-in’s transfer fee.”
Lee Kang-in, who grew up as a key prospect in his home team Valencia, moved to Mallorca ahead of the 2021-22 season. Afterwards, he competed for the starting position in the 2021-22 season and rose to become a key player on the team in the 2022-23 season. With his sharp and sophisticated left foot, he has recorded 2 goals and 3 assists in the Spanish Primera Liga this season.
Lee Kang-in’s ability to participate in the defense, which was pointed out as a weakness, also showed a remarkable growth. In this 2022 Qatar World Cup, he played an active part in the defense and delivered an assist to Cho Kyu-seong in the match once morest Ghana.
Then, EPL teams are showing interest in Lee Kang-in. Aston Villa, who is ranked 11th in the EPL this season, offered Mallorca a specific amount. However, he has yet to reach the transfer fee Mallorca wants.
In this situation, British media cut offside paid attention to Newcastle United. Newcastle United has been in the bottom ranks for the past few years, but it is a sensational team that has risen to third place in the EPL this season with the capital of the Saudi consortium on its back.
Although not a traditional big club, Newcastle United is following the same process that Manchester City and Chelsea turned into strong teams, and if they maintain their ranking, they will get a ticket to the European Football Federation Champions League (UCL). Capital-rich Newcastle United is also a team that can pay Lee Kang-in’s buyout amount of 17 million euros (approximately 22.7 billion won).
The media said, “Aston Villa will compete with Newcastle United, who can pay 17 million euros,” and “Newcastle United are certainly more capable financially (than Aston Villa).”
“Lee Kang-in should head for a team that can play regularly. Aston Villa is in a better position to guarantee (Lee Kang-in’s) participation. At Newcastle United, Alain Saint-Maximin plays a similar role (with Lee Kang-in),” he added.