Newcastle transfer news: Magpies discover asking price for ‘insane’ target

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Newcastle United will reportedly have to match Kang-in Lee’s release clause if the Magpies are to sign the RCD Mallorca playmaker this January.

According to Marca, the La Liga side will only allow the South Korea international to leave this month if a club activates the attacking midfielder’s €17m (£15m) exit clause, with Newcastle one of many teams interested in signing Lee.

As per the report, Aston Villa, Burnley and Feyenoord are all chasing Lee following an impressive 2022 FIFA World Cup with South Korea last year, with the 21-year-old often regarded as one of the most exciting Asian talents currently playing in Europe.

Lauded as insane by supporters on his prior performances for Valencia, the Incheon-born star is set for a major move this January with Mallorca seemingly keen on offloading the midfield magician, with the youngster’s asking price fairly low compared to similar players.

Indeed, Newcastle themselves are more than capable of matching Lee’s release clause, yet based on the 21-year-old’s output over the last two seasons, the Magpies could be making a mistake in signing the South Korea prodigy this January.

Two goals and three assists in 16 La Liga matches is hardly an excellent return, especially when you consider that Mallorca are flying in the Spanish top-flight compared to their current standards. And for Newcastle, there are better options out there in the market than Lee.

Newcastle could make a grace mistake in signing Lee

Lee is a player who has been around for what seems like forever, with the South Korean international making a name for himself at Valencia since 2019. Yet for Newcastle, signing the 21-year-old has all the makings of being Eddie Howe’s first real transfer miss-step.

After all, Lee’s output had been poor despite the reputation the attacking midfielder carries with him. And for a club like Newcastle who are striving for the very best, the northeast Premier League side can do better than the Mallorca star this January.