'Lee Kang-in, Departure Blocked,' to Make AT Madrid Debut in Front of Korean Fans?

*This content was translated by AI.

Although Lee Kang-in's (25) transfer to Atletico Madrid (Spain) was officially confirmed on the 25th (Korean time), he remains in South Korea. The reason no photos have yet been released showing him wearing his new No. 7 Atletico jersey or signing a contract locally is also due to this same circumstance.

Atletico Madrid has already begun its pre-season training, and Lee Kang-in's three-week vacation following the 2026 FIFA World Cup has long since ended. Nevertheless, Lee Kang-in continues to appear at K League stadiums and FC Seoul training grounds, remaining in Korea because he is currently unable to depart abroad due to the Military Service Act.

Spanish outlet Marca reported on the 28th (Korean time), "Lee Kang-in must remain in South Korea under Korean law." It added, "Although he received military service benefits for winning gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, he still needs to complete certain administrative procedures required for transfer as an arts and sports personnel. Lee Kang-in is awaiting administrative approval for an extension of his overseas travel permit. Depending on the timing of this approval, his joining schedule with Atletico Madrid may vary." Another outlet, Mundo Deportivo, also reported, "Just like Lee Kang-in, leaving the country during a military service exemption period requires mandatory legal permission."

Fortunately, the club expects approval to be granted within this week. However, the timing is crucial. If approval comes before Wednesday (the 29th), Marca predicts that Lee Kang-in will immediately depart for Spain and join team training. Atletico Madrid is scheduled to play a pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Stockholm, Sweden, on the 1st. This match could become Lee Kang-in's debut for Atletico Madrid.

Conversely, if approval is delayed until Thursday or later, Lee Kang-in may remain in South Korea and join the team after the Atletico Madrid squad arrives in Korea next month. Atletico Madrid is expected to arrive around the 6th for a friendly match against Manchester City at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 9th as part of the Coupang Play Series. In this scenario, Lee Kang-in's debut for Atletico Madrid could take place in front of Korean fans.

Regardless of when he joins the team, Lee Kang-in is already preparing his condition under the management of Atletico Madrid. Marca stated, "Separate from administrative issues beyond the club's control, Atletico Madrid continues preparations to ensure Lee Kang-in remains physically fit regardless of his joining timeline." It added, "Lee Kang-in is currently training at FC Seoul's training facility with a personal trainer. This is being done under Atletico Madrid's supervision. The club has provided him with training programs and nutritional management guidelines to help him maintain a condition similar to that of his teammates."

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*This content was translated by AI.