Atlético Madrid have secured their replacement for Bernardo Silva, completing the signing of South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain. The La Liga club announced the deal on their official website, with the 23-year-old signing an eight-year contract through summer 2031. Manager Diego Simeone personally requested the acquisition as Los Rojiblancos pivot to a fresh midfield target.
Deal Details and Transfer Context
The transfer fee stands at €35 million, representing a significant investment in attacking midfield reinforcement. Lee's arrival comes after Atlético's pursuit of Portugal international Silva ended when the former Manchester City playmaker opted to join Real Madrid instead. The move forces Simeone's side to seek alternatives with comparable technical quality and creative ability to strengthen their midfield options for the upcoming campaign.
Lee becomes the third Spanish club of his professional career. The South Korean initially played for Valencia and Real Mallorca before his 2023 summer transfer to Paris, where he made 29 competitive appearances across his two seasons. His move to Madrid represents a significant step up, placing him at one of Europe's elite European competition contenders with realistic Champions League ambitions.
What Lee Brings to Simeone's System
The Korean international offers pace, technical proficiency, and pressing intensity—qualities that align with Atlético's high-octane playing philosophy under Simeone. At 23, Lee possesses room for development while bringing European experience from Ligue 1's demanding environment. His signing bolsters depth in attacking midfield positions as Atlético prepare for domestic league action and European competition next season.
This acquisition signals the club's ambition to compete for La Liga honours whilst maintaining their fixture congestion in continental tournaments, where creativity and fresh legs from the bench prove invaluable across demanding campaigns.
