South Korea international Lee Kang-in has officially joined Atlético de Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain, the Spanish club confirmed. The transfer fee is reported to be €35 million. Lee departs PSG after three seasons, during which he made 124 appearances and won two Ligue 1 titles.
Lee, 25, initially came through the Valencia youth academy, spending ten years with the Spanish club before moving to Mallorca to further develop his career. He joined PSG in 2021 and became a squad player, contributing in midfield and occasionally in attacking roles. While he didn’t consistently feature as a starter in Paris, his versatility and technical ability were valued by the coaching staff.
According to Marca, Atlético Madrid are strategically looking to increase their presence in the Asian market, and the signing of Lee is seen as a step in that direction. The club has scheduled a pre-season tour of South Korea this summer, aiming to capitalise on the player’s popularity in his home country. This move aligns with a broader strategy to expand the club’s global fanbase.
Atlético have been active in the transfer window, also securing the services of Álex Grimaldo, who recently won the World Cup with Spain, and Morten Hjulmand for a reported €45 million. These additions bolster Diego Simeone’s squad as they prepare for another challenge in La Liga and European competition. Lee’s arrival provides another creative option in midfield and adds depth to Atlético’s attacking options. His ability to operate in multiple positions will be a valuable asset for Simeone.
The transfer represents a chance for Lee to secure more consistent playing time and further establish himself as a key player at a top European club. Atlético’s style of play, known for its tactical discipline and attacking threat, could suit Lee’s strengths, and he will be expected to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
