Spain, excited by Lee: "Acquired a talented new left foot"... Atlético, betting on Lee Kang-in's future after two years of waiting

*This content was translated by AI.

Spanish local media expressed high expectations for Lee Kang-in, 25, who has joined Atletico Madrid.

Spain's 'As' reported on the 25th (Korean time) that Lee Kang-in had joined Atletico Madrid and praised his abilities. The outlet stated, "Atletico has acquired a talented new left foot," adding, "Lee Kang-in, equipped with precise left-footed kicking, technical skills, and dribbling ability, will inject creativity and change the flow of matches."

On this day, Atletico officially announced Lee Kang-in's signing through its club social media (SNS). The contract runs until June 30, 2031, for a total of five years. His jersey number is '7', symbolizing the team's ace.

The outlet also praised Lee Kang-in's abilities at age 25. 'As' noted that he boasts exceptional left-footed kicking, technical skills, shooting ability, and dribbling prowess. "Although he demonstrated his potential by winning the Golden Ball at the 2019 U-20 World Cup, he struggled to secure a starting position in teams competing for Champions League qualification," it said, adding, "Atletico, which lacks sufficient alternatives on the right flank, has placed great expectations on him."

It further added, "Lee Kang-in skillfully plays not only as an opposite-footed winger who cuts inside from the flanks to shoot and pass, but also as a central midfielder in front of the defensive midfield line."

The outlet also highlighted his recent performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. 'As' reported that as a key player for the South Korean national team, Lee Kang-in played brilliantly in all three group stage matches, including assisting Hwang In-beom's opening goal against Czech Republic in the first match. Although South Korea failed to advance after securing only three points in the group stage, he proved his exceptional abilities.

Having previously played for Valencia and Mallorca, he is familiar with La Liga, which was viewed positively. The outlet explained, "With Nahuel Molina acquiring Spanish citizenship and Conor Gallagher leaving the team this winter, Atletico secured its three Non-EU quota slots to resolve Lee Kang-in's registration issues."

Finally, 'As' emphasized that Diego Simeone had targeted Lee Kang-in since 2023 as the ideal solution to tactical dilemmas. The outlet stated, "With Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City) leaving the team, Diego Simeone needed a creative player who could break the flow of matches with individual talent and dribbling ability, and he selected Lee Kang-in, who was on vacation after the World Cup, as that ideal candidate."

It further added, "As the first Korean player in Atletico Madrid's history, expectations are high for what kind of performances Lee Kang-in will deliver on the familiar La Liga stage."

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*This content was translated by AI.