"Lee Kang-in acquisition paid off in one month with 665 billion won recovery." Atletico Madrid nearing major sponsorship deal with Korean company; jerseys selling out completely

*This content was translated by AI.

Atletico Madrid is reshaping the club's core by securing massive capital expansion and leveraging the "Lee Kang-in effect." The club has a major sponsorship agreement with a Korean company on the verge of being finalized following Lee Kang-in's (25) acquisition, while also setting unprecedented records in jersey sales.

Spain's 'Boscofoly' reported on the 11th (Korean time) that "Atletico has completed a €110 million rights offering (paid-in capital increase) and is currently negotiating two sponsorship deals, each worth €20 million (approximately 32.5 billion won)."

This capital expansion coincided with investment from Apollo, an American investment management firm, into the club's capital. The club will allocate €50 million (approximately 8.16 billion won) of the raised funds to strengthen the squad for this season. It has also taken a firm stance on retaining key players. Regarding striker Julian Alvarez, who requested a transfer to Barcelona, the club stated unequivocally: "No transfer will be allowed without full payment of the buyout clause."

According to media reports, the new sponsorship deals under negotiation involve Korean and European companies. The club invested €40 million (approximately 6.53 billion won) last month to acquire Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Since then, the club has established a massive commercial presence in Asia, particularly in South Korea. Local media evaluate that the club has essentially recovered all its investment within just over a month of acquiring Lee Kang-in.

Fan enthusiasm is beyond imagination. Spain's 'Esto es Atletico' reported on the 11th that "Lee Kang-in has completely transformed the club's standing across the entire Asian continent in just a few weeks."

According to media reports, all 10,000 jerseys prepared for the club's Korean tour were sold out before kickoff. The club's online store saw the No. 7 jersey sell out even before the official announcement of Lee Kang-in's acquisition was made. Media explained that "club insiders project Lee Kang-in will generate sales five times higher than Antoine Griezmann's farewell season jerseys. Given the fervor of Korean fans, this is by no means an unrealistic target."

Lee Kang-in made his unofficial debut on the 9th in the second match of the '2026 Coupang Play Series' against Manchester City at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Despite the intense heat, around 50,000 spectators filled the stadium to chant Lee Kang-in's name. Starting from the bench, Lee Kang-in entered the field in the 18th minute of the second half and actively moved as a second striker, responding to fans' cheers.

Lee Kang-in stated, "I will strive to show even better performances for Atletico Madrid and the South Korean national team moving forward. I will do my utmost so that many football fans can find happiness and develop an interest in football."

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*This content was translated by AI.