So this Korean kid got my attention when that whole Barcelona transfer ban saga took place. Being Korean I was shocked because I didn't know even one korean was in La Masia much less three and particularly one that was getting a fair amount of attention. (barcaforum.com has a decent sized thread devoted to him).

 

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/02/barcelona-transfer-ban-warning-signs-fifa

 

Spotted at the age of 13 playing for local club side Cha Boom in a nine-a-side tournament in South Africa in 2010, Lee moved to La Masia the following year having rejected Real Madrid and two Bundesliga clubs. He has been christened "the Korean Messi" for his likeness to the Argentina forward and actually managed to out-score his hero at under-15 level, managing 38 goals and 18 assists in just 29 games compared to Messi's 37 goals in 30 appearances.

 

 

Then recently I googled him again and saw this.

 

http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2014/03/20/16-year-old-korean-messi-rejects-quadruple-salary-at-chelsea-and/

 

Premier League sides such as Chelsea and Liverpool have reportedly offered him QUADRUPLE the salary Barca can and will pay for him - but Lee looks set to snub English football anyway.

Mundo Deportivo report that his agent Pete Guardiola has agreed a pre-contract arrangementwhich will be signed on Monday - the day he will also relocate permanently to Catalonia.

 

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2002392-chelsea-transfer-news-blues-shouldnt-bother-with-barca-starlet-seung-woo-lee

 

Chelsea are currently battling Liverpool for the signature of 16-year-old Seung Woo Lee, one of FC Barcelona's top young talents, according to a report from The Daily Star's Gary Jones.

 

 

If the youngster has any common sense though, Chelsea would be the last team he'd consider joining. Similarly, Mourinho shouldn't even bother trying to bring the Korean attacker to London.

Barcastuff reports Woo Lee intends to do the smart thing and sign with Barcelona:

 

 

The Blues have an awful track record when it comes to talent development, and Mourinho has always preferred working with veteran players over emerging talents.

 

 

Its depressing because its true. In theory I'd love a korean player at Chelsea but in reality I'm wary because what's the point if they're just going to sit on the bench like Park Chu Young did at Arsenal? He'd either get loaned out or sit on the bench. If Schurrle can't get regular starting time what chance with some Korean kid have? He's too young right now but when he's 19-22 (he's 16 now) I mean. I don't think Mourinho will still be here by that time but assuming its the same regime in charge the same policies will continue.

 

Chelsea only want these young players so they can loan them out and then sell them when their value appreciates compared to Barcelona who seems to genuinely want these players. Barca is hardly a bastion of moral superiority now that they're in the process of getting Suarez but you can't help but admire their youth system.

 

Anyway its just highlighted this weakness of ours where I can't even root for a korean to come here because I know he won't get a chance. Too bad because i'd be financially beneficial since the Korean market is wide open since Park Ji Sung left Manchester United.

 

Here are some highlights.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxDrpjmQ5b0#t=68

Edited July 3, 201412 yr by kitierkatba

He should stay away from us for his own good lol. Not like he is ever going to get into the Barcelona team either with the talent they have. I mean Iniesta, Neymar, Suarez, Messi. How likely he will be able to get playing time over these guys ? 

He should stay away from us for his own good lol. Not like he is ever going to get into the Barcelona team either with the talent they have. I mean Iniesta, Neymar, Suarez, Messi. How likely he will be able to get playing time over these guys ? 

 

Not at sixteen, not very likely. But in a few years' time, who knows.