Atletico Madrid move for PSG’s Lee Kang-in after missing Bernardo Silva switch to Real Madrid

Atletico Madrid have signed South Korea international Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain on a long-term deal running until the summer of 2031, after failing in their bid to land Bernardo Silva.

The Spanish club had targeted Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva as a major summer recruit, but the former Manchester City playmaker chose to join Real Madrid at the end of his spell in England. That decision forced Atletico to turn to an alternative with a similar profile to strengthen Diego Simeone’s midfield.

Atletico confirmed Lee’s arrival on their official website, announcing that the 23-year-old will join immediately as part of their squad rebuild for the current transfer window.

Reports in Spain say the move for Lee is believed to be worth around €35m, though Atletico have not disclosed the exact transfer fee. The deal was made at the express request of head coach Simeone, who has been keen to add creativity and versatility to his options in the middle of the pitch.

Lee only joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, having impressed in La Liga with Real Mallorca after coming through at Valencia. The switch to Atletico means he will be playing for his third club in Spain’s top flight.

The attacking midfielder, who has become a key figure for the South Korea national team, now returns to a league and a country he knows well, but this time with one of its leading clubs as Atletico look to strengthen their challenge domestically and in Europe.

Atletico’s move for Lee closes a recruitment chapter that had revolved around Bernardo Silva, whose decision to continue his career at Real Madrid ended the possibility of a move to the Metropolitano and prompted the club to accelerate negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain.