Lee Kang-in Edges Closer to La Liga Return with Atletico Madrid
Reports suggest that South Korean international Lee Kang-in is on the verge of a move back to Spain, with Atletico Madrid actively pursuing his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Negotiations to finalize the deal are reportedly in full swing.
Long-Standing Interest and Agreement
Atletico Madrid has shown significant interest in the versatile midfielder, with sources indicating that an agreement in principle was reached as early as the January transfer window. The club’s director, Mateu Alemany, has been a key figure in these efforts. While a deal with PSG for the transfer is still being negotiated, the groundwork appears to be laid.
Transfer market insider Mateo Moretto stated, “Atletico Madrid is considered to be leading the race for Lee Kang-in’s signature. Lee himself is keen on joining Atletico, and his representatives are already engaged in discussions.”
Lee Kang-in’s PSG Stint
Lee Kang-in joined PSG for the 2023-2024 season and has been a significant player for the French champions. He has featured in 39 matches across the 2025-2026 season, contributing 4 goals and 5 assists. His tenure has seen PSG clinch their third consecutive Ligue 1 title, a remarkable achievement for a South Korean player in a major European league, mirroring the success of Park Ji-sung who won three consecutive Premier League titles with Manchester United.
Furthermore, Lee Kang-in is the first South Korean player to win the Champions League twice consecutively. His performances have garnered global attention, particularly during the winter transfer window when he was a highly sought-after player. While Atletico Madrid was noted as the most proactive club, PSG manager Luis Enrique initially insisted Lee was not for sale.
Shifting Landscape and Transfer Potential
The situation has apparently evolved. Spanish publication Marca noted a shift, stating, “While Lee Kang-in’s transfer seemed unlikely in the last winter window, it is now a very realistic possibility. All pieces need to fall into place, but Atletico Madrid’s ideal scenario is for him to be a key player on the Korean national team tour. PSG invested 22 million euros for his signing, and a transfer fee could be realized this summer, just three years later.”
Focus on National Duty
Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in is currently with the South Korean national team, preparing for the 2026 World Cup. The team is set to play their first match against Czech Republic in Group A on the 12th at the Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico. Lee Kang-in, who played a crucial role as a ‘super game-changer’ in the 2019 World Cup, is now poised to lead the team as an ace.
