Atletico Madrid (AT Madrid) are reportedly actively pursuing the signing of Lee Kang-in.
Spanish media outlet OK Diario reported on the 2nd (local time) that ‘AT Madrid have made their first official transfer offer for Lee Kang-in. AT Madrid have stepped up their pursuit of Lee after learning of Newcastle United’s interest in him. AT Madrid are serious about signing Lee. The buyout clause for Lee is 25 million euros (about 351 million won),” the report said.
‘AT Madrid want to avoid competition from Newcastle, who are much stronger financially, and want to finalise the deal before their tour of South Korea in July. ‘AT Madrid know that Lee’s presence will help them attract sponsors. “It’s not just about his performances, it’s about capturing the Asian market,” he added.
AT Madrid have been interested in Lee since last winter’s transfer window. However, they are not willing to pay the buyout clause. Instead, they are reportedly planning to use AT Madrid youngster Riquelme as a trading card to sign Lee.
메이저사이트 Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo reported on the 2nd that ‘AT Madrid have offered a joker to Mallorca to sign Lee Kang-in. The move is linked to the departure of AT Madrid’s Carrasco to Barcelona. Carrasco’s departure will leave a gap in the squad. ‘AT Madrid are looking for a player with similar attacking qualities to Carrasco,’ said the club’s sporting director, ‘and Lee is the most likely candidate. He can play in the centre and on the flanks and has the ability to dribble straight through opponents. AT Madrid want Lee, but the transfer fee is believed to be excessive. ‘Mallorca want a transfer fee of €20 million, but AT Madrid consider it too high,’ the report said.
In particular, ‘AT Madrid are considering many things to reduce the transfer fee by more than half. They have offered €15 million for Riquelme along with a loan move.
Lee has been leading the Mallorca attack with six goals and five assists in the Primera Liga this season. Riquelme, who was offered to Mallorca by AT Madrid for Lee, has been on loan at Girona this season, scoring four goals and providing four assists in 33 Primera Liga appearances. Riquelme plays in a similar position to Lee Kang-in. Riquelme has been a standout performer for Girona this season and is set to return to AT Madrid, but the club are open to sending him to Mallorca to sign Lee.
According to Spanish outlet Pichajes, “AT Madrid coach Simeone has demanded that the club sign three players, including Lee Kang-in, in the summer transfer window”. AT Madrid are unable to pay a buyout clause for Lee, but are looking to sign the young midfielder on loan, plus some money.