Lee Kang-in Joins Atletico Madrid and Set for Debut Against Manchester City

The transition is now complete. After finalizing his move on July 25, Lee Kang-in spent several days in South Korea completing essential administrative tasks, including the renewal of his overseas travel permit and procedures related to his military service exemption earned from the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games gold medal. While those formalities processed, he maintained his fitness through individual training at home.

Atletico Madrid has already begun the marketing blitz. The reaction in Korea has been immediate, with reports that the red jerseys are already selling out.

The Financials: PSG’s Net Gain and Squad Clearance

For Paris Saint-Germain, the move was as much about the balance sheet and squad depth as it was about sporting fit. Lee had fallen out of favor under manager Luis Enrique, often serving as a utility player without consistent starts. By selling the South Korean international, PSG collected 40 million euros in transfer fees.

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This represents a significant profit for the French club, which originally signed Lee from Mallorca three years ago for 22 million euros. This departure is part of a broader effort by the two-time European champions to clear space for new arrivals. The club is currently pursuing Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, though an agreement on personal terms is still missing.

However, not every recent exit was a financial win. PSG took a loss on the deal for Goncalo Ramos; while they sold him for 74 million euros, they had originally purchased him from SL Benfica for a rumored 80 million euros including bonuses.

A Productive Three-Year Tenure in Paris

Lee leaves Paris with a resume that includes significant silverware. In an official statement confirming the sale, PSG detailed his contributions over 124 matches, noting that he scored 16 goals and provided 16 assists.

A PSG Official Statement, via Yahoo Sports noted that in three years wearing the Red & Blue jersey, Kang-In Lee played 124 matches, scored 16 goals, provided 16 assists, and added twelve trophies to his honours list, including two consecutive Champions League titles to which he made a significant contribution.

Despite the team success, Lee’s individual journey in France was marked by the struggle for a defined role. His return to Spain marks a homecoming of sorts; the 25-year-old previously spent nearly a decade with Valencia—including six years in their youth academy—and two seasons with Mallorca.

August 9: The Seoul World Cup Stadium Debut

The timing of the transfer allows for a high-profile introduction. Lee is expected to make his unofficial debut on August 9 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium during the Coupang Play Series. The opponent is Manchester City, providing a massive stage for Lee to showcase his abilities under Diego Simeone.

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For Simeone, this tour is a tactical laboratory to test the squad’s readiness for the 2026-27 campaign. For Lee, it is the first opportunity to translate his ability into the specific demands of the Atletico system in a real-game scenario.

The stakes are high. Lee was a standout performer for South Korea during a difficult World Cup campaign where the team was eliminated in the group stage. Now, he transitions from being a utility option in Paris to a potential creative centerpiece in Madrid, starting with a clash against one of the world’s most dominant club sides on his home soil.