Lee Kang-in has truly risen! Transfer fee of 70 billion won plus a five-year contract... only the official 'ATM transfer' remains.

*This content was translated by AI.

The transfer of Lee Kang-in (25), the ace of the South Korean national football team, to Atletico Madrid (Spain) is entering its final stage.

Transfer market expert Fabricio Romano announced on the 6th (Korean time) via his social media: "Lee Kang-in's move to Atletico Madrid, Here We Go," adding that "an agreement has been reached among all parties involved."

Romano explained, "Lee Kang-in wanted to join Atletico, so personal terms were settled months ago. The transfer fee Atletico will pay Paris Saint-Germain (PSG·France) is 40 million euros (approximately 70 billion won). Only official paperwork remains; verbal agreements are complete."

Local Spanish media also reported the same trend. Spanish outlet AS stated regarding Lee Kang-in's potential move to Atletico, "Only an official announcement remains."

AS reported: "Atletico is acquiring Lee Kang-in from PSG. The total transfer fee is 40 million euros, structured as a base fee of 35 million euros plus an option clause worth 5 million euros." It further added, "South Korean player Lee Kang-in aims to seize the opportunity presented by Atletico."

Previously, Atletico had signed left-back Alejandro Grimaldo. If Lee Kang-in joins the club, he will become their second signing this summer. AS emphasized that "Lee Kang-in is set to sign a five-year contract with Atletico."

It appears that trust in Lee Kang-in is also strong within Atletico. According to reports, Atletico's director Mateu Alemany has wanted Lee Kang-in for a long time. Alemany has been monitoring him since his professional debut at Valencia (Spain). AS explained that given the significant transfer fee Atletico is investing, their confidence in Lee Kang-in is firm.

Furthermore, personal negotiations between the player and Atletico have already concluded, and discussions over the transfer fee between Atletico and PSG are also complete.

AS stated: "Atletico could officially announce the signing of Lee Kang-in within days." It added, "Next on their agenda is acquiring Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP (Portugal). Both clubs are currently negotiating a transfer. Hjulmand has been selected as a player to bolster Atletico's midfield."

Rumors about Lee Kang-in's potential move to Atletico have persisted for some time. However, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America underway, there were few concrete updates. But after the South Korean national team, led by former coach Hong Myung-bo, was eliminated in the group stage and completed its World Cup campaign, progress on Lee Kang-in's transfer accelerated.

Lee Kang-in left Spanish club Mallorca in 2023 to join PSG. He contributed to the team by playing in various positions and experienced both league titles and the UEFA Champions League (UCL) stage.

However, considering Lee Kang-in's growth and career trajectory, there were concerns regarding his playing time and role within the team. He was often substituted into or sat out for major Champions League matches, while frequently starting in less demanding league games.

As this situation repeated, Lee Kang-in appears to have decided on a new challenge. He is expected to open a new chapter in his career by moving to a familiar Spanish stage, specifically the big club Atletico Madrid.

Until now, PSG had not easily released Lee Kang-in because he could play multiple positions and was an important resource for the team's depth. Last winter, it was reported that Atletico attempted to sign him, but PSG refused.

However, with Atletico's persistent interest aligning with Lee Kang-in's desire to transfer, the atmosphere has changed this summer. PSG is also preparing to acquire replacements by connecting with players who can fulfill similar roles to Lee Kang-in.

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*This content was translated by AI.