*This content was translated by AI.
Escaping Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was not easy. Shocking details surrounding Lee Kang-in's (24) transfer to Atletico Madrid have been revealed.
Ruben Ouria, a journalist well-versed in Atletico matters, disclosed on his personal YouTube channel on the 28th (Korean time) that "Lee Kang-in's transfer fee is a base of 35 million euros (approximately 58.3 billion won), with an additional option of 5 million euros (approximately 8.4 billion won), totaling around 40 million euros." He added, "This deal was finalized after Atletico spent four years working on it."
Ouria also revealed shocking details during the negotiation process. He stated, "PSG created a tense situation by delaying negotiations and imposing various conditions, bringing talks to the brink of collapse." However, he explained that "Lee Kang-in's unwavering stance, insisting he only wanted Atletico, and his patience were decisive factors."
Additionally, extraordinary offers from other clubs targeting Lee Kang-in were disclosed. Ouria reported, "Lee Kang-in received an unprecedented offer from a Saudi Arabian club ranging from 17 million euros (approximately 28 billion won) to 20 million euros (approximately 33.2 billion won) in after-tax salary, which he rejected." He further noted, "Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur also attempted to sign him by offering higher salaries than Atletico, but Lee Kang-in insisted on joining only Atletico."
Regarding the recruitment process, Ouria stated, "Club director Mateu Alemany led negotiations as sports director, with Oscar Mayo providing support." He added, "When negotiations faced difficulties, CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín directly contacted PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi to break the deadlock."
Even regarding post-transfer developments, Ouria mentioned, "Coach Diego Simeone personally called Lee Kang-in to convey congratulations and welcome." He added, "The coaching staff is currently closely reviewing the timing and logistics of Lee Kang-in's preseason integration."
After the transfer saga concluded, Lee Kang-in returned to Spain after three years and was assigned the iconic number 7 jersey, a traditional symbol of Atletico's ace. He has been identified as the successor to Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City), who wore the number 7 and is considered one of the club's greatest legends.
As he departed PSG, Lee Kang-in expressed gratitude to fans and the club through a lengthy farewell message written in French. "The day I arrived in Paris with big dreams is still vivid," Lee Kang-in wrote. "As I conclude my journey in Paris, the first word that comes to mind is gratitude. I am thankful to the club, staff, and teammates who believed in me."
He continued, "The support of fans filling Parc des Princes will always remain in my heart. The moment we won two consecutive UEFA Champions League (UCL) titles and lifted numerous trophies was the greatest glory of my career. Paris has been a place that helped me grow not just as a footballer but as a human being. I am leaving with pride and cherished memories."
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*This content was translated by AI.
