Surprise 'Dorim-dong Official' Breaks Out! "Lee Kang-in Completes Medical in Korea"... 'ATM Team Doctor Makes Surprise Appearance' — Korean Media Reacts on SNS

*This content was translated by AI.

It appears that Lee Kang-in's transfer from the South Korean national team ace to Atletico Madrid (Spain) is in its final stages. After an SNS photo showing the head of Atletico's medical staff captured in Korea was released, Spanish media immediately highlighted the story.

The Dorim-dong Education Center announced via SNS on the 13th that "Dr. Jose Maria Villalon, who serves as Atletico's team doctor and overall head of medical services, visited Korea to conduct a medical check-up for national team player Lee Kang-in." The center added, "Despite his busy schedule, he made time to visit the Dorim-dong Education Center."

Dr. Jose Maria Villalon is a specialist in orthopedics, trauma surgery, and sports medicine. He has served as Atletico's team doctor for over 30 years since the 1995–1996 season. Before joining Atletico, he worked with the Spanish Athletics Federation medical staff and has participated in the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

The Dorim-dong Education Center, located in Dorim-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, is an educational facility operated by the Dong-A International Exchange Foundation. It provides programs in academics, reading, leadership, culture and international exchange, volunteer activities, and spiritual education, while also hosting seminars with external experts. The center also supports the spiritual activities of Opus Dei, a Catholic clerical organization.

Dr. Villalon is known to be a Catholic believer and a member of Opus Dei. According to the Dorim-dong Education Center, Dr. Villalon visited the center when Atletico came to Korea in 2023 for the Coupang Play Series, and he delivered another lecture this time.

During his lecture, Dr. Villalon reportedly said, "A good doctor is not someone who protects the game, but someone who protects people." He also stated, "The most important priorities in life are: first, God; second, family; and third, work."

It appears that after visiting Korea for Lee Kang-in's medical test, Dr. Villalon came to the Dorim-dong Education Center and delivered a lecture. Lee Kang-in, who participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, is reportedly spending his vacation on Jeju Island and other locations following South Korea's elimination from the group stage. Under FIFA regulations, all professional players are guaranteed a minimum of three weeks of rest.

Lee Kang-in left Mallorca in Spain in 2023 to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This summer, he is preparing for a new challenge with his transfer to Atletico Madrid.

Earlier, European football experts including Fabricio Romano reported that "Lee Kang-in and Atletico have agreed on a five-year contract extending until the summer of 2031. The transfer fee is set at a base of €35 million plus an option of €5 million, totaling up to €40 million (approximately 68 billion won)."

However, no official announcement has been made since then, raising questions about whether the transfer will be finalized. With news that Dr. Villalon visited Korea to conduct Lee Kang-in's medical test, expectations grew that an official announcement is now imminent.

Spanish media also covered Dr. Villalon's visit to Korea prominently. The Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo published an article titled "Lee Kang-in Transfer Imminent; Underwent Medical Test in Korea," stating, "Atletico Madrid has already officially announced the signings of Alejandro Grimaldo and Morten Hjulmand. Now they are on the verge of adding another signing, Lee Kang-in."

The outlet further explained, "Dr. Villalon came to Korea to deliver a lecture. The Dorim-dong Education Center announced via SNS that Dr. Villalon visited Korea to give a lecture at the said institutional investor and also met with the player who will become Atletico's new signing."

Once Lee Kang-in's vacation ends, an official announcement is expected soon. Estadio Atletico, which primarily covers Atletico news, emphasized, "As reported by internationally trusted journalists like Romano, the agreement between the two clubs and the player has been fully finalized. There are no remaining conditions, and there is no risk of the transfer collapsing at the last moment. The relationship between Atletico's leadership and Lee Kang-in's side is also very smooth."

The outlet added, "Although questions may arise due to the lack of an official announcement, the delay is due to administrative and regulatory procedures. It is far from the possibility that Lee Kang-in's transfer negotiations will fall through."

It further stated, "There is absolutely no need for concern within Atletico's club management. This complex negotiation has already reached a point of no return."

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*This content was translated by AI.