Valencia are stepping up their attempts to sell contract rebel and reported Wolves target Lee Kang-in before the window shuts at the end of this month, according to Deporte Valenciano.
Well, we say Wolves target. The South Korean schemer was linked with a move to Molineux in May but it’s fair to say a lot has changed since then.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s sudden departure, for one, not to mention the subsequent arrival of Bruno Lage.
But when you consider it was Lage who led a thrilling and fresh-faced Benfica side to Primeira Liga glory in 2019, it’s tempting to wonder whether there isn’t a better coach for getting the best out of the mercurial Lee.
Wolves could be the perfect club for Lee Kang-in
Likened to former Valencia stars Isco and David Silva, Lee is diminutive, dangerous and deliciously dextrous.
The 20-year-old has yet to live up to all that expectation on a regular basis but his potential is clear to see.
And there’s certainly a place in Lage’s XI for a classic number ten.
Joao Felix’s performances in that position for Benfica paved the way for a £107 million move to Atletico Madrid. And the frequency with which Morgan Gibbs-White has featured in pre-season speaks volumes about Lage’s admiration for a player who shares quite a bit in common with Lee.
Could the La Liga starlet play the ‘Joao Felix’ role in a more possession-happy, front-foot Wolverhampton Wanderers side? He’s certainly got the skillset and potential.
Valued at £9 million, it was reported at the start of the summer that Lee was refusing to extend his contract at Valencia.
And with the cash-strapped Castellon club desperate to avoid losing one of their prized assets for nothing, Deporte Valenciano believes attempts to find a buyer are being accelerated.
It’s believed Lee isn’t part of new coach Jose Bordalas’ plans but turned down a move to La Liga rivals Getafe.
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