*This content was translated by AI.
The official announcement of Lee Kang-in's transfer to Atletico Madrid (Spain) from the South Korean national team is taking much longer 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 has been coordinating the timing of the announcement to maximize engagement with Korean football fans during their peak viewing 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 part of standard procedure."
They further emphasized, "This is merely a matter of timing. An official announcement will almost certainly come tomorrow. There are no serious issues whatsoever."
Based on local expectations, Lee Kang-in's transfer to Atletico Madrid will be announced soon. It is highly likely that the official statement will be released either today or within one day at the latest.
Lee Kang-in left Spanish club Mallorca in 2023 and joined Paris Saint-Germain (France·PSG). This summer, he is expected 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 (approximately 68 billion won), consisting of a base fee of €35 million plus an optional €5 million add-on.
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 nearly a month passed with only reports of an imminent transfer without an official club announcement, doubts among football fans have grown. Not only Korean fans but also local Atletico supporters are said to have anxiously awaited the official confirmation.
Earlier, 'Esto Es Atletico' stated, "Amid continuous 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 has remained 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 is reported that the transfer documents were delayed due to internal circumstances at PSG.
Nevertheless, the media outlet stressed, "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 are also 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 played a key role for South Korean football at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. 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 is also reported that Italian powerhouse Juventus 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.
