Atletico Madrid are in advanced negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain to sign South Korean midfielder Kang-in Lee, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano. The 25-year-old has emerged as a primary target for Los Colchoneros as they look to reshape their midfield options this summer.
The pursuit of Lee represents a change in direction after previous attempts to secure his signature were rebuffed, most recently in January when PSG refused to consider a mid-season departure. Atletico’s director Mateu Alemany has been actively seeking midfielders to address a perceived lack of creativity in the team, and Lee now features prominently on their shortlist.
Lee joined PSG from Mallorca in 2023, but has found consistent playing time difficult to come by in a competitive midfield. He is a technically gifted player capable of playing as an advanced eight or a ten, offering qualities such as pressing, set-piece delivery, and the ability to operate in tight spaces – attributes Atletico have missed since the departures of João Félix and the diminishing influence of Koke.
Despite his potential, Lee’s limited minutes at PSG have led to speculation about a return to La Liga, where he previously impressed during his time at Mallorca. His prior experience in the Spanish league would likely ease his adaptation to Atletico’s system.
The transfer fee remains a key point of contention. Atletico’s initial offer is reported to be around €25 million, while PSG are seeking a fee in the range of €35-40 million. PSG had previously indicated they would not negotiate a sale, but have now softened their stance, potentially due to a shift in squad planning or an improved offer from Atletico.
Atletico are simultaneously pursuing other midfield targets, including a player from Manchester City and Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen, highlighting the importance they place on strengthening this area of the squad. The pursuit of Lee is not considered a secondary option, with Romano’s reporting indicating it is a top priority.
Lee’s arrival would add a new dimension to Atletico’s attack, providing a dynamic option between the lines that the team has lacked since Félix’s departure. The club’s ability to fund all of their midfield targets, however, remains uncertain given ongoing salary cap constraints. The next step will be for Atletico to submit a formal offer that can bridge the valuation gap with PSG and convince Luis Enrique, who previously vetoed the move, to allow the transfer to proceed.
