Atlético Madrid have secured Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain on a six-year contract through summer 2031, addressing their midfield needs after missing out on Bernardo Silva. The South Korean playmaker arrives for a reported fee of 35 million euros, completing a move that manager Diego Simeone personally championed.
The 23-year-old becomes Atlético's third signing from Spanish football in his career. Kang-in previously featured for Valencia and Real Mallorca before joining PSG in summer 2023, where he made 57 appearances across all competitions. His arrival marks a strategic pivot after Bernardo Silva opted to join Real Madrid instead, leaving Simeone's side seeking an alternative midfielder with similar creative credentials and technical quality.
Kang-in's Path to Atlético Madrid
The South Korean international's trajectory through La Liga clubs demonstrates his familiarity with Spanish football's tactical demands. At Valencia and Mallorca, Kang-in developed his reputation as an incisive playmaker capable of orchestrating attacks from advanced midfield positions. His 18-month spell at PSG, though competitive, saw limited regular opportunities in Ligue 1, prompting the move back to La Liga where he can expect more consistent minutes under Simeone's demanding system.
Simeone's influence proved decisive in attracting Kang-in to the Metropolitano. The Argentine tactician, who has cultivated Atlético into perennial title contenders, identified the Korean's creativity and work rate as essential components for their high-pressing approach. Kang-in's contract length reflects the club's confidence in his ability to develop into a cornerstone of their midfield for years to come.
With Kang-in now in place, Atlético strengthen their options heading into the new campaign as they challenge for La Liga supremacy alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona. His immediate task will be adapting to Simeone's intensive training methods and establishing himself as a regular starter.
