PSG Confirms Lee Kang-In Transfer to Atletico Madrid for 25M€
Paris Saint-Germain has confirmed the transfer of South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-In to Atletico Madrid for a reported 25 million euros, with the player agreeing to personal terms, according to a club statement released on Thursday. The deal, which concludes months of speculation, marks a significant shift in the French club’s midfield strategy as they prepare for the 2024-25 season.
PSG’s announcement followed reports from multiple European outlets, including ESPN and Sky Sports, that the 24-year-old had finalized a five-year contract with the Spanish side. The transfer fee, initially rumored to be 22 million euros, was finalized after negotiations between the two clubs, with PSG retaining a 15% sell-on clause, according to a source familiar with the agreement.
Key Details of the Transfer
The deal hinges on Lee’s medical examinations and the completion of contractual formalities, which are expected to be finalized by the end of the week. Atletico Madrid confirmed the agreement in a brief statement, citing “mutual satisfaction with the terms of the contract.” The Korean Football Association also issued a statement praising Lee’s “ambition to compete at the highest level of European football.”
Lee, who joined PSG from Napoli in 2022 for 18 million euros, made 72 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists. His departure comes as PSG seeks to strengthen their squad ahead of the January transfer window, with manager Luis Enrique reportedly prioritizing defensive reinforcements.
What This Means for PSG
The transfer represents a strategic move for PSG, who have faced scrutiny over their midfield depth in recent seasons. Lee’s departure follows the exits of Leandro Paredes and Danilo Pereira, both of whom were released in June. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi emphasized in a press conference that the decision was “in the best interest of the club’s long-term project,” adding that PSG will “continue to invest in young talent.”
French football analysts have noted the financial implications of the deal. According to L’Equipe’s financial tracker, the 25 million euros transfer fee would place Lee among the top 10 most expensive South Korean players in history. The club also faces a potential tax liability on the profit from the sale, though no official figures have been disclosed.
Impact on Atletico Madrid
For Atletico, the signing bolsters their midfield options as they compete in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. Head coach Diego Simeone, who has previously expressed interest in Lee, stated in a pre-season interview that the player “possesses the technical quality and work ethic to thrive in our system.”
Lee’s arrival follows the departures of Thomas Partey and Yannick Carrasco, both of whom were sold to Arsenal and Galatasaray, respectively. The club’s financial director, Miguel Angel Gil Marín, confirmed the transfer in a statement, noting that the fee aligns with Atletico’s “prudent investment strategy.”
What’s Next?
The transfer is expected to be finalized by July 15, with Lee set to join Atletico’s pre-season training camp in Austria. PSG will host a farewell event for the player at Parc des Princes on July 12, according to a club spokesperson. Meanwhile, Atletico’s official website has already listed Lee as a “new signing” in their 2024-25 squad announcement.
For fans, the deal raises questions about PSG’s future plans. With Neymar and Kylian Mbappé still under contract, the club faces pressure to secure a high-profile striker before the August 31 deadline. A source close to the club told AFP that PSG is “actively pursuing several targets,” though no official offers have been made public.
Next confirmed checkpoint: Atletico Madrid’s official announcement of Lee Kang-In’s registration with La Liga, expected by July 18.
Share your thoughts on the transfer in the comments below. Stay tuned for more updates on Archysport as the summer window progresses.
