*This content was translated by AI.
Analysis indicates that the transfer fee paid by Atletico (AT) Madrid to sign Lee Kang-in (25) places it as the club's 8th highest ever. This follows Antoine Griezmann being assigned his legendary No. 7 jersey, offering a glimpse into the high expectations the club holds for Lee Kang-in.
According to data released on the 18th (Korean time) by Atletico Stats, a specialized media outlet for AT Madrid, Lee Kang-in's transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to AT Madrid this summer carried a fee of 40 million euros (approximately 65.7 billion won). This amount ranks as the 8th highest transfer fee in the club's history since its founding in 1903.
According to the media outlet, the highest transfer fee ever paid by AT Madrid was for Joao Felix (now at Al-Nassr) during the 2019–2020 season, amounting to 127 million euros (approximately 208.4 billion won). Julian Alvarez (75 million euros / approximately 123.1 billion won in the 2024–2025 season) and Thomas Lemar (72 million euros / approximately 118.2 billion won in the 2018–2019 season) ranked 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Both Alvarez and Lemar remain current members of AT Madrid.
Lee Kang-in's transfer fee also ranks as the second-highest ever paid by AT Madrid under manager Diego Simeone for a midfielder signing. Simeone has managed AT Madrid for an impressive 15 years since 2011. The only midfielder signed under Simeone with a higher fee is Conor Gallagher (from Tottenham), at 42 million euros — just 2 million euros (approximately 3.3 billion won) more than Lee Kang-in's fee.
On the 17th, Lee Kang-in held his official signing ceremony at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Hall in Madrid, Spain. This marks his second official club presentation, following an unusual first event held earlier on the 9th before Korean fans immediately after Manchester City's match at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
Lee Kang-in stated, "I have known since childhood how big a club Atletico is. From the moment I received word of their interest through my agents, my only thought was to join Atletico." He added, "I am truly delighted to be joining such a prestigious club. I want the season to start soon and I want to help the team."
Continuing, Lee Kang-in said, "I came here with the ambition to win many trophies across all competitions. The most important thing is to support the team and work hard. If I do that, I believe I can bring joy to the fans." He further added, "Atletico has excellent players. This season, we will win in many competitions. I want to bring great joy to Atletico fans."
Lee Kang-in is expected to make his official debut for AT Madrid as early as 4 a.m. on the 20th at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, during the opening match of Round 1 of the 2026–2027 Spanish La Liga season against Malaga.
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*This content was translated by AI.
