Lee Kang-in joins Atletico Madrid from PSG in €40 million deal
Synopsis
Lee Kang-in's move from PSG to Atletico Madrid for a reported €40 million is more than a transfer — it is a homecoming. The South Korean, who won two Champions Leagues in Paris, returns to La Liga where his career began at Valencia aged 10. At 25, with 50 international caps and a 2026 World Cup appearance behind him, he arrives at the Metropolitano as Atletico's most decorated summer signing.
Key Takeaways
Atletico Madrid confirmed the signing of Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain on 25 July , with a reported fee of €40 million .
The South Korean midfielder has signed a contract until June 2031 .
Lee made 124 appearances for PSG, scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists , winning two Champions Leagues among other trophies.
He has earned 50 caps for South Korea , most recently appearing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup .
Lee is Atletico's third summer signing, following Alex Grimaldo and Morten Hjulmand .
Atletico Madrid on Saturday, 25 July officially confirmed the signing of South Korean international midfielder Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain, bringing the 25-year-old back to La Liga on a deal running until June 2031. The transfer fee is reported to be in the region of €40 million (approximately $45.5 million).
What Atletico Get in Lee Kang-in
Atletico's official website described the South Korean as 'a talented 25-year-old left-footed midfielder' who 'can play as an attacking midfielder or on either wing and is known for his vision, exquisite ball control, and passing and shooting ability.' Born on 19 February 2001 in Incheon, South Korea, Lee is a versatile wide operator who has developed into one of Asia's most technically accomplished footballers.
The move reunites Lee with Spanish football, where he spent the formative years of his career. He joined the Valencia CF youth academy at just 10 years of age, making his first-team debut on 30 October 2018 in a Copa del Rey fixture. He went on to win the Copa that season, featuring in six cup games. After 62 appearances for Valencia, he moved to Mallorca in August 2021, where he made 73 appearances across two seasons under coaches Luis García Plaza and Javier Aguirre.
A Trophy-Laden Spell at PSG
Lee signed for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023 and quickly established himself as a reliable contributor in the French capital. Across 124 appearances for the Parisian club, he scored 16 goals and registered 16 assists. His trophy haul at PSG was remarkable: two UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, three Ligue 1 championships, two French Cups, and two French Super Cups.
International Pedigree
At international level, Lee has been a consistent performer for South Korea, earning 50 caps for the senior side. He made his senior debut on 5 September 2019 in a 2–2 friendly draw against Georgia. His most recent international appearance came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His earlier youth career brought notable individual and collective honours. In 2019, he led South Korea to the runners-up position at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and was awarded the tournament's prestigious Golden Ball. He also claimed a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games — held in 2023 — as part of a South Korean under-23 side that defeated Japan 2–1 in the final.
Atletico's Summer Business
The acquisition of Lee is Atletico Madrid's third signing of the 2025 summer transfer window. The club have also brought in Spain left-back Alex Grimaldo and Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand. This comes amid Diego Simeone's side continuing to rebuild their squad with an eye on competing across La Liga and European competition. Lee's blend of technical quality and big-match experience at PSG makes him one of the more high-profile arrivals in La Liga this window.
Point of View
But also of calculation. PSG's willingness to sell a player who won two Champions Leagues with them suggests he was not central to their next cycle — yet Atletico are paying a premium €40 million for him. The real question is whether Diego Simeone's system, historically built on defensive solidity and transitions, can unlock the creative, left-footed profile that made Lee so effective in Paris. His La Liga roots — Valencia, Mallorca — suggest the adaptation will be swift, but Atletico will need him to be a creator, not just a squad addition, to justify the outlay.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did Atletico Madrid pay for Lee Kang-in?
Atletico Madrid reportedly paid around €40 million (approximately $45.5 million) to sign Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain. The deal was confirmed on 25 July, with Lee contracted until June 2031.
What trophies did Lee Kang-in win at PSG?
Lee Kang-in won two UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA Super Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, three Ligue 1 championships, two French Cups, and two French Super Cups during his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
How many international caps does Lee Kang-in have?
Lee Kang-in has made 50 appearances for the South Korea senior national team, with his most recent cap coming at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He made his debut on 5 September 2019 in a 2–2 friendly against Georgia.
What is Lee Kang-in's playing style?
According to Atletico Madrid's official website, Lee is a left-footed midfielder who can operate as an attacking midfielder or on either wing. He is noted for his vision, ball control, and ability in both passing and shooting.
Who else has Atletico Madrid signed this summer?
Atletico Madrid have made three signings in the 2025 summer window — Lee Kang-in, Spain left-back Alex Grimaldo, and Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
