South Korean football star Lee Kang-in is expected to join his new club, Atletico Madrid, in Seoul for their pre-season tour, according to reports. The midfielder, who recently transferred from Paris Saint-Germain, faces a delay in joining his teammates in Spain due to mandatory military service obligations.
Military Service and Travel Permits
Lee Kang-in’s integration with Atletico Madrid has been complicated by South Korea’s military service laws. As a professional athlete who won a gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Lee is eligible for an exemption from active duty. However, he still needs to complete a four-week basic military training course. To travel abroad for club duties before completing this training, he requires official permission from the Military Manpower Administration.
The process of obtaining this travel permit has reportedly caused delays, preventing Lee from immediately joining the squad in Spain. This situation has led to speculation that his reunion with the team will occur in Seoul during the pre-season tour.
Pre-Season Tour Schedule
Atletico Madrid’s pre-season schedule is set to begin with a match against Manchester United in Stockholm, Sweden, on August 1st. Following this game, the team is slated to travel to South Korea for a friendly against Manchester City on August 9th at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. This match in Seoul presents a potential opportunity for Lee Kang-in to link up with his new club.
The club’s pre-season tour also includes a match against Malága on August 19th at their home ground, the Metropolitano Stadium, marking the start of their 2026-2027 La Liga season campaign.
Training Under Diego Simeone
While the circumstances prevent Lee from joining the team in Spain for the initial phase of their pre-season training, he is reportedly not idle. Reports suggest that Atletico Madrid has provided Lee with an individualized training program to follow in South Korea. This program is designed to help him maintain his fitness and adapt to the demanding training regimen under manager Diego Simeone.
Diego Simeone is renowned for his intense training methods, and it is understood that Lee Kang-in is diligently working to meet the high standards set by the Argentine coach. The opportunity to adapt to Simeone’s system from the outset is a significant aspect of a player’s integration into the team, and missing this initial period in Spain is seen as a drawback.
Contract Details and Jersey Number
Lee Kang-in’s transfer to Atletico Madrid was officially announced on July 25th. The contract is reportedly for five years, with an estimated transfer fee of 40 million euros. This move marks his return to Spanish football, three years after his transfer from Valencia to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
Upon joining the club, Lee Kang-in has been assigned the iconic number 7 jersey, previously worn by club legend Antoine Griezmann. This number carries significant weight and expectation within the club.
Future Prospects
The primary challenge for Lee Kang-in will be to adapt quickly to Diego Simeone’s demanding system and prove his worth to secure a starting position. His ability to meet the club’s performance expectations, especially under Simeone’s rigorous coaching, will be crucial for his success and his role in the upcoming season’s competitions. Despite the initial logistical hurdles, Lee’s commitment to training suggests a strong determination to make a significant impact at his new club.
The situation highlights the complexities faced by international athletes navigating national service obligations alongside demanding professional careers. Lee Kang-in’s journey to fully integrate with Atletico Madrid is underway, albeit with an unconventional start in his home country.
