Lee Kang-in Official, Delayed to Align with 'Korean Time'... "No Issues with Transfer to Atletico"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The official announcement of Lee Kang-in's transfer to Atletico Madrid (Spain) from the South Korean national team ace is coming much later than expected. However, local sources stated that there are no issues with the transfer itself.

Spanish media outlet 'Esto Es Atletico', which specializes in covering Atletico news, reported on the 23rd (Korean time) regarding the delay in Lee Kang-in's signing announcement: "There is no problem at all. We are currently preparing for the official announcement, but this process takes time. Atletico aims to avoid any mistakes."

It is also known that Atletico is carefully coordinating the timing of the announcement to maximize engagement with Korean football fans during their most active hours.

The media outlet explained, "It appears they intend to leverage the impact of the Korean time zone for Lee Kang-in's official announcement. The delay is simply part of standard procedure."

They further emphasized, "This is merely an issue of timing. An official announcement will almost certainly come tomorrow. There are no serious concerns whatsoever."

Based on local expectations, Lee Kang-in's transfer to Atletico Madrid is expected to be announced very soon. It is highly likely that the official announcement will occur either today or within the next day at the latest.

Lee Kang-in left Spanish club Mallorca in 2023 and joined Paris Saint-Germain (France·PSG). This summer, he is set to move to Atletico Madrid for a new challenge.

Spanish local media outlets, including 'Esto Es Atletico', reported that Lee Kang-in and Atletico have agreed on a five-year contract extending until the summer of 2031. The transfer fee is reportedly up to 40 million euros (approximately 68 billion won), consisting of a base fee of 35 million euros plus an optional add-on of 5 million euros.

European transfer market experts, including Fabrizio Romano, have also confirmed the same terms, indicating that Lee Kang-in's move to Atletico Madrid is effectively finalized.

However, as reports of an imminent transfer continued for nearly a month without an official club announcement, doubts among football fans have grown. It was reported that not only Korean fans but also local Atletico supporters anxiously awaited the official confirmation.

Earlier, 'Esto Es Atletico' stated, "Amid persistent transfer rumors, expectations among Atletico fans have reached their peak. News of Lee Kang-in's imminent arrival brought great excitement to fans." However, they added, "As the club remains silent, impatience is growing among fans eagerly awaiting the official announcement."

This media outlet has explained multiple times the reasons behind the delay in Lee Kang-in's official announcement.

First, Lee Kang-in could only join Atletico after completing all three weeks of rest guaranteed by FIFA. Additionally, it was reported that the transfer documents were delayed due to internal circumstances at PSG.

Nevertheless, the media outlet emphasized, "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. Relations between Atletico's leadership and Lee Kang-in's side remain very smooth."

Ultimately, after multiple delays, it appears that the official announcement of Lee Kang-in's transfer to Atletico Madrid is now imminent.

Lee Kang-in served as the ace for South Korean football at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Although South Korea, led by former manager Hong Myung-bo, was eliminated in the group stage with one win and two losses, Lee Kang-in received high praise for his outstanding performances.

It was reported that Italian powerhouse Juventus also made efforts until the last moment to sign Lee Kang-in. However, Atletico Madrid is expected to emerge as the final winner of the intense competition.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original