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"Lee Kang-in, a player who had to leave" – They kicked him out... but he became Griezmann's successor with a '66.8 billi
🇰🇷 South Korea /Economy & Trade

"Lee Kang-in, a player who had to leave" – They kicked him out... but he became Griezmann's successor with a '66.8 billion won market value'! Valencia's historic mistake re-examined: 'Decisions increasingly incomprehensible.'"

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Valencia's decision to release Lee Kang-in five years ago is being re-examined as a significant mistake, with the player now thriving at Atletico Madrid.
  • Lee Kang-in, who was let go by Valencia for free, has become a key player for Atletico, drawing comparisons to Antoine Griezmann and highlighting the club's poor player management.
  • The article suggests Valencia's past decisions regarding player development and retention, particularly with talents like Lee Kang-in, have led to missed opportunities and financial losses.

Valencia's decision to let Lee Kang-in leave for free five years ago is increasingly being viewed as a monumental error by the club. The South Korean midfielder, who was released by Valencia and subsequently joined Mallorca, has now become a vital player for Atletico Madrid, a move that has reignited discussions about the Spanish club's past player management.

Spanish outlet AS is quoted as saying that Valencia's "gift" of Lee Kang-in to Mallorca continues to be a talking point. The 25-year-old has reportedly become the successor to Antoine Griezmann at Atletico, a testament to his growing stature in Spanish football. This development stands in stark contrast to Valencia's decision to part ways with him, a move that was reportedly made to free up a non-European Union player slot.

Valencia's gift of Lee Kang-in to Mallorca is still being talked about.

— AS (Spanish media)This quote highlights the ongoing discussion and regret surrounding Valencia's decision to release Lee Kang-in.

The article implies that Valencia's handling of Lee Kang-in's departure was a "historic mistake." The club's inability to retain or properly utilize such a promising talent, especially given his current success and market value, is being highlighted. The piece suggests that the club's decisions are becoming increasingly difficult to understand, particularly when viewed through the lens of Lee Kang-in's current achievements and his significant transfer value, estimated at 66.8 billion Korean Won (approximately $50 million USD).

This re-examination of Valencia's past decisions serves as a critical commentary on their player development and transfer strategy. The club's failure to capitalize on Lee Kang-in's potential, while he now flourishes elsewhere and is even being compared to a club legend like Griezmann, underscores a period of questionable management and missed opportunities.

The decisions are becoming increasingly difficult to understand.

— Article's framingThis statement reflects the author's and potentially the publication's view on Valencia's past player management choices regarding Lee Kang-in.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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