Lee Dong-kyung's Stoke City Transfer in Jeopardy Over Work Permit

Stoke City's hopes of signing K League MVP Lee Dong-kyung are hanging by a thread after the player fell one point short of the required 15 for a work permit. The Potters, currently 17th in the Championship with 55 points (15W-10D-21L) and on a dismal five-game losing streak, had agreed terms with Ulsan but now face an uncertain future for the deal.

What Went Wrong with the Work Permit?

Lee Dong-kyung scored 14 points in the FA's Government Body Endorsement (GBE) system, just missing the 15-point threshold. His lack of playing time at the 2026 World Cup—where he was expected to feature against South Africa—cost him the crucial point. The Exceptional Status Clause (ESC), which could have been an alternative, is no longer an option as Lee is over 23, following a rule change on June 15.

Why This Matters for Stoke City

Stoke City, who recently lost 1-0 to SC Braga on July 10, are in urgent need of reinforcements. With their next fixture against Valencia on August 1, the Potters are scrambling to secure Lee Dong-kyung, who was seen as a key player for their promotion push. The club is now awaiting a final decision from the FA, hoping for an exception given the circumstances.

What's Next for Lee Dong-kyung and Stoke City?

If the FA denies the work permit, Stoke City will have to explore other options. Lee Dong-kyung, who has been a standout player in the K League since 2018, will likely seek opportunities elsewhere. For Stoke City, the focus will shift to strengthening their squad before the new season kicks off, especially with their recent form (0W-0D-5L) and a goal difference of -5.