Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until 30 June 2031.
The Spanish side confirmed the deal on Saturday. Lee arrives as Atletico look to strengthen their attacking options after a solid but trophy-less campaign.
From Valencia academy to European champion
Lee Kang-in’s journey in European football began early. Born in Incheon, he moved to Spain at the age of 10 and joined Valencia’s youth system. He made his first-team debut in the Copa del Rey in October 2018 and went on to make 62 appearances for the club.
In August 2021, he switched to Mallorca, where he spent two productive seasons. His performances earned him a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023. At PSG, he developed into a reliable creative force, featuring 124 times, scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists.
During his three years in the French capital, Lee collected an impressive 12 trophies. The haul included two UEFA Champions League titles and three Ligue 1 crowns, underlining his ability to perform at the highest level.
International experience and World Cup campaign
On the international stage, Lee Kang-in has already become a key figure for South Korea. He earned his first senior cap in September 2019 and has now made 50 appearances, scoring 10 goals. He featured in all three of South Korea’s Group A matches at this year’s World Cup, though the team failed to progress after suffering two defeats.
His experience in major tournaments and consistency for the national side add valuable pedigree to Atletico’s midfield options.
Filling the creative gap at Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid finished fourth in La Liga last season and reached the Copa del Rey final. With Antoine Griezmann departing for Major League Soccer, the club needed a player capable of unlocking defences and creating chances. Lee’s vision, technical quality and work rate make him a natural candidate to help fill that creative void.
Club president Enrique Cerezo has already confirmed that Julian Alvarez will remain part of the squad next season, giving Diego Simeone a strong mix of proven goal scorers and inventive midfielders. Lee’s arrival adds further depth and competition for places.
The South Korean is expected to compete for a starting role in a side that thrives on intensity and tactical discipline. His previous experience in Spain with Valencia and Mallorca should help him settle quickly into La Liga’s demanding style of play.
Lee Kang-in’s move marks another chapter in a career that has already taken him from Spanish academies to Champions League glory. Now the focus shifts to how quickly he can adapt to life under Simeone and help Atletico challenge for major honours once again.