'Fast' PSG, Already Found 'Lee Kang-in Replacement': "Signed 5-Year Deal with French National Team Midfielder"... LEE Heads to Atletico for 700 Billion Won, 'All Puzzles Complete'

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in's (25) move to Atletico Madrid is effectively complete. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has already identified a replacement.

French outlet RMC Sport reported on the 7th (Korean time) that "PSG and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement on Lee Kang-in's transfer," adding that "the transfer fee, including bonuses, is slightly above 40 million euros (approximately 69.7 billion won)."

European football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also announced Lee Kang-in's move to Atletico Madrid via his social media (SNS) on the 6th. He then used his signature phrase "Here we go," which he reserves exclusively for confirmed transfers.

Romano stated, "All parties have reached an agreement. The transfer fee is around 40 million euros." He further explained, "Lee Kang-in, who wanted to join Atletico Madrid, finalized personal terms several months ago. A verbal agreement has been completed; only formal procedures remain."

RMC Sport noted that this transfer marks PSG's second major departure following Goncalo Ramos' move to AC Milan. The outlet added, "Lee Kang-in joined PSG in the summer of 2023 and played a key role over three seasons. He made 124 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists, contributing to PSG's back-to-back UEFA Champions League (UCL) titles."

It further explained, "Lee Kang-in returns to the Spanish stage where he is most familiar. Before coming to France, he played for Valencia and Mallorca in Spain's La Liga."

PSG plans to fill Lee Kang-in's void with French national team midfielder Magnus Akliouche. The media reported that "manager Luis Enrique and sporting director Luis Campos have closely monitored Akliouche for a long time," adding that "PSG has agreed on a five-year contract with the player and is currently negotiating the transfer fee with his current club, AS Monaco."

Additionally, PSG is reportedly in contact with RB Leipzig to sign Yann Djimonde.

Lee Kang-in is expected to play a central role in Diego Simeone's tactical system at Atletico Madrid. Recent analysis by PSG Talk stated, "Atletico needs Lee Kang-in's exceptional skills and experience, while Lee requires a prestigious club where he can secure a starting position—aligning both parties' interests."

Atletico had already been evaluating Lee Kang-in as the ideal replacement for Antoine Griezmann since before the latter's departure to Major League Soccer (MLS) in March. Marca explained that "Atletico was compelled to pursue Lee Kang-in, a top-tier player, to fill the massive void left by Griezmann's exit."

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*This content was translated by AI.