S. Korean int'l Lee Kang-in joins Atletico Madrid

Lead

South Korea midfielder Lee Kang-in has joined Atletico Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain, the Spanish club announced on Saturday. The 25-year-old signed a five-year contract that will keep him with the La Liga side until June 2031, as reported by both Al Jazeera and Yonhap News.

Lee's move marks a return to Spain, where he spent his formative years after moving there at age 10. He will now play for an Atletico side that finished fourth in La Liga last season and reached the Copa del Rey final.

Coverage Comparison

The two sources reporting this story — Al Jazeera and Yonhap News — agree on the core facts: Lee has joined Atletico, the contract runs through June 2031, and the transfer fee was undisclosed. However, they differ on the reported fee amount and the context of Lee's departure from PSG.

Al Jazeera reports the fee as "reportedly between 35 and 40 million euros," while Yonhap cites Spanish media reporting that Atletico paid 35 million euros with an option for another 5 million. Both outlets note the fee was not officially disclosed.

Yonhap provides a more detailed account of Lee's PSG tenure, describing it as "three mixed seasons" and noting that he "struggled to earn consistent playing time" in his final season. Al Jazeera's account is more positive, highlighting his contributions to PSG's consecutive Champions League titles, though it does not mention any playing-time difficulties.

Key Claims

• Lee Kang-in signed a five-year contract with Atletico Madrid, running through June 2031, as reported by both Al Jazeera and Yonhap.
• The transfer fee was undisclosed but reportedly between 35 and 40 million euros, according to Al Jazeera; Yonhap reports Spanish media citing 35 million euros with an option for another 5 million.
• Lee played for Paris Saint-Germain for three seasons, during which he scored 16 goals in 124 appearances, according to Al Jazeera. Yonhap notes he won three Ligue 1 titles and two UEFA Champions League titles with the club.
• Yonhap reports that Lee struggled to earn consistent playing time with PSG this past season.
• Lee has represented South Korea at the past two FIFA World Cups, as reported by Yonhap. Al Jazeera adds that he played all three group-stage games at the World Cup, where South Korea failed to advance after losing twice.
• Lee was born in Incheon and moved to Spain at age 10, joining Valencia's training academy, according to Al Jazeera. He played 62 games for Valencia and later had a stint with Mallorca before joining PSG in 2023.
• Antoine Griezmann has left Atletico for the MLS as the club's all-time top scorer, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Context

Lee's move to Atletico comes as the club looks to strengthen its attacking options following Griezmann's departure. Atletico are scheduled to face Manchester City in a summer friendly, according to Yonhap. Lee previously led South Korea to a runner-up finish at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and earned the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, as well as helping the under-23 squad win gold at the 2023 Asian Games.