'Strong candidate for opening-day starter' Lee Kang-in, Atletico president also expresses high expectations: "Would love to see him play in the opener... I am confident he will become a key player"

*This content was translated by AI.

The atmosphere suggests Lee Kang-in (25), who has joined the prestigious Spanish La Liga club Atletico Madrid, is poised to start in the home opener under the full trust of the club's leadership.

Lee Kang-in's team, Atletico Madrid, will face Malaga in the opening match of the 2026–2027 Spanish La Liga Round 1 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium on the morning of the 20th (4 a.m. Korean time).

According to recent reports by Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo attended Lee Kang-in's official signing ceremony held at the Metropolitano home ground, offering a personal welcome and expressing deep trust in the player.

Cerezo stated, "The sports directorate has been observing and monitoring Lee Kang-in for a long time. He moved to Valencia with his family at age 11 and spent ten years in their youth academy. Possessing exceptional technical skills and a broad vision, he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2023 and has since experienced numerous titles, including two UEFA Champions League victories."

Cerezo continued, "When Atletico visited Korea ten days ago, we directly felt Lee Kang-in's impact through the incredible hospitality, affection, and respect shown to him." He then encouraged Lee Kang-in, saying, "I am confident you will become a core player for Atletico. Starting with the opener against Malaga, I hope you bring happiness to the fans. We sincerely welcome your joining and wish you enjoy your journey at Atletico."

Lee Kang-in is intensifying his preparations for the opener by sharpening his match fitness. Mundo Deportivo reported that Lee Kang-in participated normally in team training sessions held at the Metropolitano alongside new signings such as Morten Hjulmand, Alex Grimaldo, and Cristian Romero.

Local reports indicate that since Spain is currently in its summer vacation season, over 60,000 home fans are expected to gather for Atletico's opening match.

Local media also anticipate that Lee Kang-in will immediately establish himself as a key starter for Atletico. Spanish outlet AS projected Atletico's new season lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, identifying Lee Kang-in as the central attacking midfielder supporting Julian Alvarez. The outlet analyzed, "Lee Kang-in will add creativity, a broad vision, and individual dribbling ability to the midfield, playing a central role in the team's attack."

Coach Diego Simeone also remarked, "Lee Kang-in is a versatile resource capable of performing various roles depending on the team's needs, including wide positions and as a second striker," hinting at diverse tactical utilization.

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*This content was translated by AI.