South Korean football star Lee Kang-in’s highly anticipated move to Atletico Madrid is reportedly in its final stages. The midfielder has undergone medical examinations in South Korea, signaling a significant step towards finalizing the transfer. This development suggests that the “Here we go” confirmation, a common phrase indicating a done deal in the transfer market, is imminent.
Medical Tests Conducted in South Korea
The “Dorim-dong Education Center,” operated by the Dong-A International Exchange Foundation, announced that Dr. Jose Maria Villalon, Atletico Madrid’s team doctor and head of medical services, visited South Korea to conduct Lee Kang-in’s medical check-up. The center stated, “Dr. Villalon visited Korea to conduct medical checks for national team player Lee Kang-in. Despite his busy schedule, he made time to visit the Dorim-dong Education Center.”
The Dong-A International Exchange Foundation, which runs the educational facility for male students, shared that the time spent with Lee Kang-in was meaningful. They noted, “Students and acquaintances who love football were able to spend meaningful time together. He shared stories from his experiences with world-class athletes over the past 30 years, insights into sports medicine, and the values of life learned through it.”
Dr. Villalon, who has served as Atletico Madrid’s head of medical services for over 30 years since July 1995, reportedly traveled to South Korea specifically for Lee Kang-in’s medical assessment while the player was on a break following the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This visit was facilitated by a previous connection, as Dr. Villalon had visited the Dorim-dong Education Center when Atletico Madrid visited South Korea for the Coupang Play Series in 2023.
Transfer Market Buzz and Financial Details
News of Dr. Villalon’s visit to South Korea for Lee Kang-in’s medical has fueled speculation that the transfer process is officially moving forward. European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has indicated that the move is all but confirmed, stating, “Lee Kang-in’s transfer to Atletico Madrid is confirmed. All parties have reached an agreement. Personal terms were agreed upon months ago. Lee Kang-in also wanted the move to Atletico Madrid. All negotiations are concluded, and only the official announcement remains.”
Ruben Uria, a journalist knowledgeable about the European transfer market, provided further details, revealing that Lee Kang-in rejected a substantial offer from Saudi Arabia to prioritize his move to Atletico Madrid. According to Uria, the Saudi club proposed a five-year contract worth €17 million per season, totaling an astronomical €85 million over five years. However, Lee Kang-in’s strong desire to join Atletico Madrid led to the agreement.
Uria also suggested that Lee Kang-in might be assigned the number 7 jersey at Atletico Madrid, a number previously worn by club legend Antoine Griezmann. While the official announcement will clarify the jersey number, the number 7 is considered a strong possibility, with the number 19 also potentially available if current player Giuliano Simeone departs.
Lee Kang-in’s Season and Atletico’s Interest
Lee Kang-in has had a successful season, winning the Champions League and Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Despite his strong performances, he found himself on the fringes of PSG’s starting lineup. Although he received high ratings for his contributions in Ligue 1, manager Luis Enrique primarily utilized him as a squad player. Lee Kang-in did not start any Champions League matches and received limited playing time in the final.
Several clubs have shown interest in Lee Kang-in, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Newcastle. In the final stages, Juventus and Saudi clubs also entered the race, but Atletico Madrid emerged as the most aggressive suitor.
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Lee Kang-in is not new. The club has reportedly made contact since Lee Kang-in’s transfer from Mallorca to PSG in the summer of 2023 and was actively pursuing him during the January transfer window. However, PSG’s valuation of Lee Kang-in and manager Luis Enrique’s reluctance to sanction the move blocked the transfer at that time.
With the summer transfer window opening, Atletico Madrid intensified their pursuit. Following the departure of Antoine Griezmann to the United States, Atletico identified Lee Kang-in as a key replacement. Andrea Berta, Atletico’s CEO, who knows Lee Kang-in well from his time as Valencia’s CEO, has been instrumental in the pursuit. Manager Diego Simeone is reportedly keen on making Lee Kang-in the “next Griezmann.”
Lee Kang-in, seeking more playing time, is eager for the transfer. French transfer market specialist Romain Collet-Gaudin confirmed that Atletico Madrid and Lee Kang-in had reached a verbal agreement. Fabrizio Romano also reported that negotiations were progressing smoothly, with personal terms nearing agreement.
Marketing and Economic Impact
Atletico Madrid anticipates significant marketing and economic benefits from signing Lee Kang-in. Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo reported that Lee Kang-in’s name has been frequently mentioned in Atletico Madrid’s offices in recent weeks. They highlighted his status as a star player in South Korea with immense influence, stating, “His presence alone could lead to increased revenue from the Asian market, expanded merchandise sales, and endorsement deals with Asian companies, generating considerable economic benefits for Atletico.”
The report also suggested that Korean corporations are keen on leveraging Lee Kang-in’s brand image, which would further boost Atletico’s international recognition in Asia.
Transfer Fee and Korean Player Records
Lee Kang-in’s potential transfer fee is estimated to be around €40 million, nearly double the €22 million fee from his move to PSG in the summer of 2023. This figure would place him second on the list of highest transfer fees for a South Korean player, surpassing Son Heung-min’s €30 million move to Tottenham in 2015. The record is held by Kim Min-jae, who transferred to Bayern Munich for €50 million in 2023.
The delay in the official announcement has been attributed to PSG needing to process the necessary paperwork and wanting to announce the signing of Lee Kang-in’s replacement, Magnes Aciliou, first. However, this report suggests that those concerns are now resolved.
Ultimately, the move to Atletico Madrid is expected to provide Lee Kang-in with the role and playing time he desires, aligning with both his and the club’s aspirations. This transfer is poised to make significant waves in the South Korean football market.
