Move may be made in the coming days: Newcastle could sign “outstanding” Murphy upgrade

Newcastle United fans have every reason to celebrate as the club continues its remarkable form this season. On Tuesday night, the Magpies took a significant step toward the Carabao Cup final, defeating Arsenal 2-0 in the semi-final’s first leg.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have left Newcastle on the cusp of a long-awaited appearance at Wembley. With seven consecutive victories across all competitions, including five straight wins in the Premier League, Eddie Howe’s side has climbed from 12th to fifth in the table.

The dream of securing a domestic trophy after a 70-year drought and the possibility of Champions League qualification has electrified Tyneside. Amid this euphoria, speculation grows about potential January reinforcements, with Paris Saint-Germain forward Lee Kang-in reportedly on Newcastle’s radar.

According to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato, Newcastle has shown interest in the South Korean international and could make a move for him in the coming days. Manchester United is also reportedly keen on the 23-year-old, with a valuation of approximately £33 million being discussed. Lee Kang-in’s versatility and impressive performances have made him a sought-after talent, but how exactly could he elevate Newcastle’s squad?

Lee’s football journey began in La Liga, where he joined Valencia’s academy at just 11 years old. He made his senior debut in a Copa del Rey match in October 2018 and went on to make 62 appearances for the club before moving to Mallorca on a free transfer in 2021.

His two standout seasons in Mallorca earned him a €22 million (£18 million) transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in July 2023. Since joining PSG, Lee has made 60 appearances, scoring 11 goals, including a memorable strike in a 3-0 Champions League victory over A.C. Milan.

This season, Lee has emerged as a pivotal figure in Luis Enrique’s PSG lineup, starting 14 of their 24 matches and accumulating 1,366 minutes of play. His importance extends to the international stage, where he has become a fixture in South Korea’s squad, featuring in their last 22 competitive fixtures. Renowned Korean journalist Joel Kim described Lee as “outstanding,” highlighting his potential for even greater achievements.

Statistical comparisons between Lee Kang-in and Newcastle’s current right-wing option, Jacob Murphy, underline the South Korean’s superiority in several areas.

Lee outperforms Murphy in almost every metric, aside from assists, emphasizing his potential to significantly enhance Newcastle’s attacking prowess. His higher number of touches and 84.4% pass completion rate demonstrate his ability to stay involved in play and retain possession effectively.

Lee’s progressive carries and shot-creating actions also highlight his creativity and offensive contributions, while his impressive goals-to-expected goals (xG) ratio underscores his clinical finishing.

Murphy, praised for his hard-working nature and key role in Newcastle’s recent successes, has been a reliable option. However, for Newcastle to compete at the highest levels, players with exceptional quality, such as Lee Kang-in, could be instrumental.

Lee’s versatility, allowing him to play across multiple attacking positions, makes him an ideal candidate to complement Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in a formidable front three.

Newcastle’s interest in Lee reflects their ambition to strengthen the squad as they aim for a transformative season. While Murphy’s contributions remain valuable, the addition of a player with Lee’s technical ability, vision, and finishing prowess could elevate the Magpies to new heights. Should Newcastle secure his signature, Lee Kang-in’s arrival could mark a pivotal moment in their pursuit of domestic and European success.