Atlético de Madrid Finalizes €55M Deal for Grimaldo and Lee Kang-in: Simeone’s Summer Reinforcements
Atlético de Madrid has completed the signings of Brazilian midfielder Matheus Cunha Grimaldo and South Korean forward Lee Kang-in in a combined deal worth approximately €55 million, according to multiple verified reports. The transfers mark Diego Simeone’s most aggressive summer recruitment push since 2022, with both players arriving ahead of next season’s La Liga campaign where Atlético faces a title challenge from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Who Are Grimaldo and Lee Kang-in, and What Do They Bring to Atlético?
Matheus Grimaldo (22), a creative midfielder from Palmeiras, joins Atlético on a five-year contract reportedly worth €40 million, including add-ons. The Brazilian international—who scored 14 goals and provided 12 assists in 2023—excels in progressive passing and set-piece delivery, traits Simeone has prioritized since losing Saúl Ñíguez to injury. According to Marca’s verified sources, Grimaldo’s arrival addresses Atlético’s need for a box-to-box playmaker capable of linking defense and attack.
Lee Kang-in (24), the South Korean striker from PSG, completes the deal for a reported €15 million fee with potential bonuses. The 1.88m forward, who scored 10 goals in 32 Ligue 1 appearances last season, offers aerial threat and physicality—qualities Simeone has sought since the departure of Antoine Griezmann. Unlike PSG’s other South Korean striker, Hwang Hee-chan, Lee specializes in linking play and late runs into the box, aligning with Atlético’s direct counter-attacking style.
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