The transfer of Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), a key midfielder for the national football team, to Atletico Madrid is drawing closer.
Fabrizio Romano, a journalist well-versed in the European football transfer market, wrote on social media Saturday (Korea time): "Lee Kang-in is set to move to Atletico. An agreement has been completed among all parties." He then added his signature comment announcing a completed transfer, "Here we go."
Romano added: "An agreement was reached with PSG several months ago on a fee of 40 million euros (about 70 billion won). Lee Kang-in also wanted the move to Atletico. Only the official procedures remain, and a verbal agreement has already been completed."
On June 28, Romano reported that "Atletico is finalizing the signing of Lee Kang-in. An agreement with the player's side was already reached a few days ago."
Lee, who grew up at Valencia and Mallorca in Spain, joined PSG in 2023 and lifted numerous championship trophies over three seasons. Last season, he was part of the team's fifth consecutive French Ligue 1 title and second consecutive UEFA Champions League title.
However, he could not simply celebrate, as he remained a rotation option rather than a regular starter. Over 17 matches from the Champions League league phase to the final, he never once made the starting lineup, appearing in 10 games as a substitute for just 263 minutes.
Rumors that Lee would leave the team spread from last winter, and he is preparing to return to Spain through this summer's transfer market.
Lee is reported to have returned home on June 30 and to be resting following the group-stage elimination at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
