NewsMacroLee Kang-in Joins Atletico Madrid on Five-Year Deal from PSG

Lee Kang-in Joins Atletico Madrid on Five-Year Deal from PSG

Author: The Korea Times Business·

Key Takeaways

  • Lee Kang-in has signed a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid running through June 2031, ending his three-year stint at PSG.
  • The reported transfer fee is approximately 35 million euros ($39.8 million) plus up to 5 million euros in performance-based add-ons.
  • Lee returns to La Liga, where he previously played for Valencia CF and RCD Mallorca before joining PSG in 2022.
  • During his time at PSG, Lee won three Ligue 1 titles and two UEFA Champions League titles.
  • Lee is expected to make his first appearance for Atletico in a summer friendly against Manchester City at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 9.
Lee Kang-in Joins Atletico Madrid on Five-Year Deal from PSG

Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in has completed a transfer to Spanish club Atletico Madrid, departing French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after three seasons.

Atletico Madrid confirmed on its website Saturday that the 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract running through June 2031.

The deal's financial terms were not officially disclosed, though Spanish media reported that Atletico paid approximately 35 million euros ($39.8 million), with a potential additional 5 million euros in performance-related add-ons.

Lee returns to Spain, where he spent his formative footballing years. The attacking midfielder, who is also capable of playing on either wing, began his senior club career with Valencia CF as a teenager before moving to RCD Mallorca. He subsequently transferred to PSG three years ago.

During the most recent campaign, Lee found regular playing time at PSG limited, prompting the move back to La Liga. Atletico, managed by Diego Simeone since 2011 — one of the longest continuous managerial tenures in European football — have valued technically gifted, versatile attackers who can operate in tight spaces, a profile that aligns with Lee's strengths.

Regarded for his vision, close ball control, and ability to deliver passes in confined spaces, Lee has been a key figure for the Korean national team, representing his country at the last two FIFA World Cups. His international reputation was cemented early in his career when, as an 18-year-old, he led Korea to a runner-up finish at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and received the tournament's Golden Ball as the competition's outstanding player. He also helped Korea's under-23 team capture gold at the 2023 Asian Games.

At PSG, Lee amassed several major trophies, including three Ligue 1 titles and two UEFA Champions League titles.

He will now aim to help Atletico Madrid — commonly known as Atleti — secure the club's 12th La Liga crown and its first since 2021. Atletico are widely regarded as one of Spanish football's powerhouse clubs, alongside FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, though the Madrid side have finished third behind the traditional big two in each of the last three La Liga seasons, making squad reinforcement a priority.

Atletico Madrid are scheduled to face Premier League side Manchester City in a summer friendly at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Aug. 9, where Lee is expected to make his first appearance in front of Korean fans wearing his new colors.