Full Breakdown
Lee Kang-in Joins Atletico Madrid on Five-Year Deal
7/26/2026, 2:17:30 AM
Core Transfer Details
South Korea’s 25-year-old midfielder Lee Kang-in has completed a move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to La Liga club Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side announced that Lee signed a contract running until June 30, 2031. While Atletico did not disclose the fee, Spanish media report the transfer is valued between €35 million and €40 million, consisting of a €35 million base with a possible €5 million add-on. The agreement was confirmed in late July 2026.
Background & Context
Lee entered Spain’s football system at age 10, joining Valencia’s youth academy and debuting on October 30, 2018 in a Copa del Rey match. He later played two seasons with Mallorca before moving to PSG in 2023, where he logged 124 appearances, 16 goals and 16 assists, and won two Champions League titles and three Ligue 1 crowns. Internationally, Lee earned 50 caps for South Korea, featuring in the 2022 and 2026 World Cups and winning the Golden Ball at the 2019 U-20 World Cup.
Atletico Madrid finished fourth in La Liga last season and reached the Copa del Rey final. The club’s long-time top scorer Antoine Griezmann departed for MLS, leaving a creative vacancy that Lee is expected to fill.
Data & Statistics
- Age / Birth: 25; February 19, 2001 in Incheon, South Korea.
- Club appearances: 62 for Valencia, 73 for Mallorca, 124 for PSG; total 135 official matches in Spain with 10 goals.
- International record: 50 senior caps; two World Cups and the 2019 U-20 World Cup (runner-up).
- Transfer fee: reported €35 million–€40 million (base €35 million + optional €5 million).
- Contract length: five years, ending June 30, 2031.
Official Statements & Responses
The club highlighted his experience with the South Korean national team and his success in Europe, noting that he will strengthen the attacking midfield options after Griezmann’s exit. PSG’s role in the deal was confirmed by both clubs, but no further comment was issued by the French side.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A talented 25-year-old left-footed midfielder, he can play as an attacking midfielder or on either wing and is known for his vision, exquisite ball control, and passing and shooting ability,” — Atletico Madrid official
- “Lee Kang-in, the South Korean national team who played in the recent World Cup, left PSG and joined our team. He has won the Champions League for two consecutive seasons at PSG.” — Madrid SNS AT Madrid
- “Atletico is finalizing its summer schedule. For coach Diego Simeone, pre-season has not been easy,” — Lee Kang-in, official
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact transfer fee. Spanish outlets cite a range of €35 million to €40 million, while Starnewskorea specifies a base €35 million plus an optional €5 million. Both figures align on the maximum amount but differ on the payment structure. Additionally, the timing of the official club announcement was delayed; reports indicated that contract termination procedures with PSG caused the postponement, though the transfer itself was already finalized.
What’s Next
Atletico’s pre-season schedule includes a friendly against Getafe on June 29 and a match versus Manchester United later this month. The club is also set to face Manchester City in the “Coupang Play Series” at Seoul World Cup Stadium, a potential debut platform for Lee in front of Korean fans. Marca projects that Lee could join training under manager Diego Simeone within the week of the announcement and be ready for the season opener against Malaga.
