Lee Kang-in proves he's the perfect signing for Newcastle as 'excellent' stats emerge vs Czechia
Lee Kang-in may have his phone ringing off the hook from the likes of Newcastle United after a sensational display as South Korea beat Czechia 2-1 in their World Cup opener.
The 25-year-old was in brilliant form for his nation, claiming the assist for Hwang In-Beom's equaliser and constantly looking a threat. Ladislav Krejci had put the Europeans ahead, with Oh Hyun-Gyu eventually finding the winner.
Newcastle are not short of money, having sold Anthony Gordon in a £69million deal to Barcelona last month, and may be ready to enter the race for Lee.
And they may not be alone, considering just how impressive the winger's performance on Thursday was.
The former Valencia forward joined PSG in 2023 and is under contract until 2028, with a decision set to be made this summer.
Lee Kang-in's sensational stats vs Czechia
The quality of Lee's performance has said much about the quality of the squad at PSG.
The South Korean started just 18 Ligue 1 games this season and was far from a first choice, failing to even make it off the bench in the Champions League final.
A naturally right-sided attacker who often plays as an attacking midfielder, the 25-year-old demonstrated his full quality on the grandest stage.
Lee could have had an assist with a superb ball early on to Lee Jae-Sung, and he went close himself shortly after, with a thunderous strike.
The PSG man would make his telling contribution to get South Korea back on terms, finding Hwang with a brilliant pass before his composed finish.
Lee ultimately ended the game without misplacing a single pass, creating three chances and completing two long balls.
Remarkably, the winger won four free-kicks, completed five successful dribbles and won a sensational 10 duels.
Newcastle must act quickly for 'excellent' Lee
Speaking to BBC 5 Live, Clinton Morrison said Lee "has been excellent", and his performance will go down among the finest of the opening days of the World Cup.
However, Newcastle's interest, if it materialises, will mean nothing unless they act quickly.
According to ESPN, Atleti have opened talks to sign the 25-year-old, who is available for a bargain price of £30m.
As far as market opportunities go, they do not get much better than that. Lee reportedly prefers a move to Spain, but it will be up to Newcastle to convince him of the project at St James' Park.