Diego Simeone, the head coach of Atlético Madrid, has expressed his satisfaction with the recent acquisition of South Korean football prodigy Lee Kang-in. The club is gearing up for a friendly match against Manchester City at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on September 9th, as part of the ‘2026 Coupang Play’ series. This encounter marks a return to Seoul for both Atlético Madrid and Manchester City, who previously met in the South Korean capital in 2023, with Atlético securing a 2-1 victory.
Lee Kang-in’s Transfer and Initial Impact
Lee Kang-in, widely regarded as a generational talent in South Korean football, officially joined Atlético Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The transfer reportedly involved a fee of 35 million euros (approximately 56 billion Korean won), with additional options, and a contract extending until 2031. The significant investment underscores the club’s high expectations for the young midfielder.
The Atlético Madrid squad, including Lee Kang-in, held an official press conference and an open training session at the Mokdong Stadium on September 8th. Despite the sweltering heat, with temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius, hundreds of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the star players. The event highlighted the immense anticipation surrounding Lee’s arrival and the upcoming match.
Simeone’s Perspective on Lee Kang-in
During the press event, both Coach Simeone and Lee Kang-in participated in interviews. Simeone addressed numerous questions regarding Lee’s integration into the team. “We are grateful for your presence in Korea,” Simeone stated. “We are excited to play here. Lee Kang-in expressed his desire to contribute to the club, and I want players who grow and evolve. I am ready to help him, and I look forward to his development in that role.”
When asked about Lee Kang-in’s specific position and role on the field, Simeone emphasized a broader focus on maximizing the player’s strengths. “There’s a significant difference between watching a player on TV or video and seeing them within the team environment,” he explained. “We need to understand how he can effectively express his strengths. Rather than focusing on a specific position, we will concentrate on maximizing his overall potential.”
Anticipating a Surge in Atlético Madrid’s Popularity
Since Lee Kang-in’s transfer, Atlético Madrid has seen a notable increase in its profile. Reports indicate that Lee Kang-in’s jerseys have already sold out, with over ten thousand units reportedly sold in South Korea. This enthusiastic reception has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.
Simeone commented on the remarkable fan response, recalling his previous visit to Korea three years prior. “When I was in Korea three years ago, there were more Manchester City uniforms around,” he observed with a smile. “Tomorrow, for the match, I expect to see more Atlético Madrid uniforms in the stadium, thanks to the ‘Lee Kang-in effect.’ This truly shows the passion of our fans.”
Lee Kang-in’s Gesture of Team Spirit
Following his initial appearance and the team’s activities, Lee Kang-in treated the entire squad and staff to a dinner. Simeone lauded this gesture as a significant indicator of Lee’s character and commitment to the team.
“Lee Kang-in bought dinner for the entire team and staff,” Simeone shared. “A person’s initial actions and the impression they make are crucial. Lee Kang-in demonstrated what kind of player he is through this first impression. Ultimately, such actions show how humble a player is and how ready they are to run for the team. Having trained with him in Korea for a few days, I’ve seen he is an incredibly hardworking player. He is humble. A player with these characteristics is exactly what Atlético Madrid needs.” Simeone’s comments highlight his admiration for Lee’s social integration and dedication, suggesting he is a perfect fit for the club’s ethos.
The arrival of Lee Kang-in is anticipated to bring a new dynamic to Atlético Madrid, both on and off the field. His talent, combined with his evident team spirit and humility, has already made a positive impact, setting a promising tone for his tenure with the Spanish club.
