Lee Kang-in becomes Atletico Madrid’s first South Korean signing in move from PSG

Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of South Korea international Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain, with the midfielder becoming the first Korean player in the club’s history.

The 25-year-old has signed a contract at the Metropolitano until 2031. Atletico did not disclose the transfer fee agreed with the French champions.

Lee, who can operate both as an attacking midfielder and on the wing, arrives in Madrid after playing a notable role in Paris Saint-Germain’s recent success in the Champions League, helping the club win back-to-back titles over the last two seasons.

His arrival makes him the third new addition to Diego Simeone’s squad this summer, following the signings of Denmark midfielder Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP and Spanish full-back Alejandro Grimaldo from Bayer Leverkusen.

Korean trailblazer at the Metropolitano Lee’s move marks a piece of history for Atletico, as he becomes the first South Korean to wear the rojiblancos shirt.

He comes in as part of a reshaped squad after the departures of Antoine Griezmann, Clement Lenglet and Nicolas Gonzalez, all of whom have left the club this summer.

Atletico will compete in next season’s Champions League after finishing fourth in La Liga last term, behind Barcelona, Real Madrid and Villarreal.

From Valencia academy to European champion Lee began his career in Spain with Valencia’s academy and broke into the first team in 2018. During his time with Los Che he lifted the Copa del Rey, his first major club honour.

His breakthrough on the international stage came at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup, where he was named player of the tournament, underlining his status as one of Asia’s brightest young talents.

After leaving Valencia, Lee joined Real Mallorca, spending two seasons with the Balearic club in La Liga before earning a move to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023.

In total, he made 124 appearances for PSG in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists, as he established himself in a star-studded squad and collected two Champions League winner’s medals.

International pedigree with South Korea Lee has also been a key figure for South Korea at international level.

In 2023, he won gold at the Asian Games with the national team, adding a major continental honour to his list of achievements.

He has represented his country at two senior World Cups, featuring at Qatar 2022 and again at the 2026 tournament.

Lee now joins Atletico at the peak of his career, bringing European and international experience to a side aiming to compete on multiple fronts in Spain and in the Champions League next season.