In his first meeting with Barcelona, Lee reportedly asked about Barcelona's vision when he gets promoted to the "B" team, the reserve squad of Barcelona that will play in the second division. Lee's current contract with Barcelona runs through June 2018, but because of age limit, he needs to sign a new pro contract.

Lee was included on Barcelona B's 35-man training squad for this summer. The South Korean, however, decided not to participate in the team's preseason training that starts next week until he hears the answer from Barcelona on his future status.

Lee, who recently represented South Korea at the FIFA U-20 World Cup at home, previously said he will seek a new club if he can't make a senior debut with Barcelona. He is linked with seven or eight clubs, including German giants Borussia Dortmund.

"Lee seems to think it's not bad to become a big fish in a small pond rather than become a small fish in a big pond," the official said. (Yonhap)