Kang In Lee Atlético Madrid Debut Delayed by Military Service Paperwork

When Atlético Madrid published a video on social media showcasing Kang In Lee wearing the club’s 2026-27 home and away kits, it marked the first time fans could see the newly signed player in his fresh colors. The club officially confirmed his transfer on the 25th of last month, generating immense excitement among supporters worldwide. Yet, unlike other new players who immediately join their new teammates abroad, the 25-year-old remained grounded in his home country, missing out on the initial wave of squad training sessions.

Military Service Admin Work Delays Spanish Departure

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The root cause of the delay is entirely bureaucratic. Kang In Lee earned a military service exemption thanks to his gold medal victory at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. While this status placed him as an arts and sports personnel agent, it also triggered a mandatory requirement: he must secure a renewed overseas travel permit from the Military Manpower Administration before he can legally and normally resume his professional career outside South Korea.

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Spanish media outlets closely monitored the situation, noting that Atlético Madrid has been forced to wait patiently alongside the player for final clearance from South Korean administrative authorities. Because officials have not immediately finalized the paperwork, the club could not pin down an exact date for his arrival in Madrid. Rather than rushing him across Europe while paperwork remained pending, Atlético management supported a patient approach, allowing the player to maintain his fitness through individual training sessions domestically.

Squad Integration and the Number Seven Shirt

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With administrative procedures now reaching their final stages, the timeline for Kang’s integration into the squad is shifting forward. Spanish media and club insiders indicate that the delay is clearing up just in time for a unique homecoming. Instead of making his debut on Spanish turf, Kang is now expected to pull on his new club’s colors for the first time on home soil.

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The anticipated debut is slated for the Coupang Play Series match against Manchester City, scheduled to take place on the 9th at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. This fixture offers domestic fans an immediate look at their player stepping onto the pitch for his new club. Furthermore, the club’s plans for Kang carry significant weight: he is inheriting the number 7 shirt previously worn by Antoine Griezmann as he prepares for his official return to La Liga action.