"It is not that Lee Kang-in's transfer has been scrapped. Even PSG fans are anxious... The real reason the official announcement hasn't come out: 'Delays in PSG paperwork and vacation.'"

*This content was translated by AI.

The official announcement of Lee Kang-in's transfer from South Korea's national team ace to Atletico Madrid in Spain is coming later than expected. Local Spanish media explained that PSG's administrative processing and Lee Kang-in's vacation are behind the delay.

Spanish outlet Estadio Atletico, a specialist on Atletico, reported on the 13th (Korea time) that "we look into why Atletico has not yet made an official announcement despite reaching a full agreement with Korean player Lee Kang-in."

The outlet stated, "Amid unceasing transfer rumors, Atletico fans' expectations have reached their peak. News of Lee Kang-in's imminent arrival brought great excitement to the fans," but also explained that "as the club maintains silence and fans eagerly await an official announcement, impatience is growing among them."

However, it drew a line stating there is no problem with Lee Kang-in's transfer to Atletico. Estadio Atletico said, "While questions may arise due to the lack of an official announcement, the reason for the delay lies in administrative and regulatory procedures," adding that "the possibility of the transfer negotiations falling apart is far from reality."

It further emphasized, "There is absolutely no need to worry within the Atletico club. This complicated negotiation has already reached a point of no return."

According to reports, there are two main reasons for the delayed announcement of Lee Kang-in's transfer. First, it is known that his current club PSG is delaying the delivery of transfer-related documents due to internal club circumstances.

The outlet explained, "PSG's slower-than-expected administrative processing is preventing Lee Kang-in's official announcement," noting that "while agreements between the two clubs and the player have already been finalized, the delay in receiving relevant documents has prolonged the wait."

Another reason is Lee Kang-in's vacation. Under FIFA regulations, all professional players are guaranteed a minimum of three weeks of leave. Lee Kang-in is also exercising his right to rest properly before joining Atletico. In fact, he was recently spotted enjoying a vacation with his family on Jeju Island.

Estadio Atletico reported that "Lee Kang-in, who has finished a long and grueling season, is currently taking sufficient rest. He is recharging by visiting various tourist spots away from media attention," adding that "while Lee Kang-in rests sufficiently, Atletico also appears to be proceeding with the transfer procedures without rushing."

Lee Kang-in left Mallorca in Spain in 2023 and joined PSG. This summer, he embarks on a new challenge by transferring to Atletico. According to reports, Lee Kang-in and Atletico have agreed to a five-year contract until the summer of 2031. The transfer fee is up to 40 million euros (approximately 68 billion won), consisting of a base fee of 35 million euros plus an option of 5 million euros.

European transfer market experts, including Fabrizio Romano, have also disclosed these terms and reported that Lee Kang-in's transfer to Atletico is effectively finalized.

Estadio Atletico also emphasized that "as previously reported by internationally trusted journalists such as Romano, the agreement between the two clubs and the player has been fully concluded," stating that "there are no remaining detailed conditions, and there is no risk of the transfer falling apart at the last moment. The relationship between Atletico's leadership and Lee Kang-in's side is also very cordial."

Lee Kang-in played a key role as South Korea's ace in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Under former coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea recorded one win and two losses and was eliminated in the group stage, but Lee Kang-in received high praise for his outstanding performance. It is reported that Italian powerhouse Juventus made efforts until the last moment to bring Lee Kang-in on board. However, Atletico emerged as the ultimate winner of the acquisition race.

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*This content was translated by AI.