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Atletico Madrid sign South Korea World Cup star Lee Kang-In from PSG

Al Jazeera · 2026-07-25

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Atletico Madrid has signed South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-In from Paris Saint-Germain on a contract that extends until June 2031. • Why it matters: Lee's transfer, reportedly between 35 to 40 million euros, aims to fill the creative void left by Antoine Griezmann's departure and strengthen Atletico's squad after a successful season. • What to watch next: Fans will be watching closely to see how Lee integrates into Atletico Madrid's playing style and contributes to their performance in the upcoming season.

**Atletico Madrid Signs South Korean World Cup Star Lee Kang-In from PSG**

Atletico Madrid has officially announced the signing of South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-In from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The agreement, confirmed on Saturday, sees Lee commit to the Spanish club with a contract that will extend until June 2031. While the exact transfer fee has not been disclosed, reports suggest it is in the range of 35 to 40 million euros, approximately $39.8 million to $45.5 million.

Lee Kang-In, who is 25 years old, gained international attention during the recent World Cup, where he played in all three group-stage matches for South Korea. Despite the team's inability to advance beyond the group stage, Lee's performance showcased his potential on a global platform.

Born in Incheon, South Korea, Lee moved to Spain at the age of 10 to pursue his football career, joining the youth academy of Valencia. He made a significant impact during his time at Valencia, appearing in 62 matches before transferring to Mallorca, where he further developed his skills. In 2023, he joined PSG, where he made 124 appearances and scored 16 goals.

Atletico Madrid is looking to bolster its squad following a solid season in which they finished fourth in La Liga and reached the final of the Copa del Rey. Lee's addition comes at a crucial time as the club seeks to fill the creative gap left by Antoine Griezmann, the club's all-time leading scorer, who has departed for Major League Soccer (MLS).

With Lee's signing, Atletico Madrid aims to enhance its attacking options and continue competing at the highest levels in both domestic and European competitions. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how Lee integrates into the team's dynamics and contributes to their ambitions.

Source: Al Jazeera
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