South Korea international Lee Kang-In has completed a move from Paris Saint-Germain to Atletico Madrid, the Spanish club announced on Saturday.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a contract until June 2031. While the transfer fee was not officially disclosed, Spanish and French media report the deal is worth between €35 million and €40 million.
Lee's arrival at the Estadio Metropolitano comes at a pivotal moment for Diego Simeone's side. Atletico finished fourth in La Liga last season and reached the Copa del Rey final, but they face the challenge of replacing Antoine Griezmann, the club's all-time top scorer, who departed for Major League Soccer this summer.
Lee brings both technical quality and versatility to the Atletico attack. Primarily an attacking midfielder or winger, he can operate on either flank or through the middle, offering Simeone multiple tactical options. His dribbling, vision, and ability to create chances in tight spaces are his standout attributes.
The South Korean has already built a substantial European career despite being only 25. Born in Incheon, he moved to Spain at age 10 to join Valencia's famed academy, making 62 senior appearances for the club. After a productive spell at Mallorca, he earned a move to PSG in 2023, where he scored 16 goals in 124 appearances across all competitions.
At international level, Lee was a key figure for South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing every minute of the group stage. Although the Taegeuk Warriors failed to progress after suffering two defeats, Lee was among their brighter performers.
The transfer underscores Atletico's continued strategy of investing in young, high-upside talent from top European clubs, and gives Lee the opportunity to become a central figure in one of Spain's most ambitious projects.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/lee-kangin-atletico-psg-transfer-af0baca80aa1a719fa1ae97f79389403
