Football
Football
Lee Kang-in Joins Atlético Madrid, Securing Iconic Number 7 Jersey
Lee Kang-in, the South Korean national team standout, has officially transferred from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Spanish La Liga powerhouse Atlético Madrid. The 25-year-old midfielder has signed a contract that extends until June 30, 2031, with his new club announcing the move on social media on the 25th of this month. Notably, Lee will don the prestigious number 7 jersey, a number historically associated with star players at Atlético Madrid.
This move marks Lee Kang-in’s return to La Liga after a three-year stint in France with PSG, having previously debuted in the Spanish league with Valencia in January 2019. Reports from local media indicate that the transfer fee for Lee is approximately 40 million Euros, including various options, a sum equivalent to around 66.5 billion Korean Won. This makes him the second-highest transfer for a South Korean player, following Kim Min-jae’s 50 million Euro move in 2023.
Atlético Madrid, considered one of Spain’s top three clubs alongside Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, has secured the services of a South Korean player for the first time in its history. Lee Kang-in, who played in the 2026 North American World Cup for the Korean national team, previously contributed 9 goals in 110 La Liga matches and 10 goals in 135 official appearances over five seasons in Spain.
The club wasted no time in celebrating Lee’s arrival, showcasing welcome messages and videos on major media signage in Seoul, beginning on the 25th and continuing for a week. The 100-second video features Lee in his new number 7 kit, entering the home stadium, and taking shots, signaling a significant moment for both the player and the club as they aim for championship success in the upcoming season.
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