Lee Kang-in has little interest in extending his contract at Valencia amid speculation linking the talented playmaker with a summer switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers, as reported by Deporte Valenciano.
The two-time Champions League finalists have been here before.
It may seem like a case of deja vu as, 12 months ago, Los Che were forced to cash in on Ferran Torres. They opted to sell the speedy Spain international to Manchester City for a cut-price £20 million fee amid fears he could leave the Mestalla on a free transfer.
And, with Lee Kang-in’s contract due to expire in 2022, history may be about to repeat itself at a club that continues to lurch from crisis to catastrophe.
In April, Sport Aragon reported the £14 million-rated South Korea international might be heading to Wolves as part of a deal that would see Rafa Mir, the forgotten man of Molineux, move in the other direction.
And, according to claims coming out of the Castellon coast, Valencia may have little choice but to listen to offers. 20-year-old Lee, who has been compared to former Mestalla stars David Silva and Isco, has no intention, at this stage, of signing fresh terms with the struggling La Liga giants.
That might have something to do with the fact Lee has started just 12 of Valencia’s 34 league games in 2020/21.
It remains to be seen whether the situation changes now former Watford boss Javi Gracia has been given his marching orders.
If Gracia’s replacement is willing to make Lee central to his rebuilding project, one of La Liga’s most talented youngsters could opt to stay put after all.
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