Atletico Madrid Completes €35M Swoop for PSG Star Kang-in Lee
Atletico Madrid has officially announced the signing of South Korean international Kang-in Lee from Paris Saint-Germain, bringing the 25-year-old playmaker back to La Liga after three years. The transfer, finalized on July 25, 2026, is valued at €35 million (approximately 58.3 billion won) with an additional €5 million in potential add-ons, according to local reports. Lee has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the Wanda Metropolitano until the summer of 2031.
The move marks the end of a highly successful stint in Paris, where Lee won back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles and accumulated 12 trophies overall. PSG confirmed the departure in an official statement, expressing gratitude for Lee's contributions: "In three years wearing the Red & Blue jersey, Kang-In Lee played 124 matches, scored 16 goals, provided 16 assists, and added twelve trophies to his honours list."
The Iconic Number 7 Jersey
Perhaps the most telling sign of Atletico Madrid's high expectations is the jersey number assigned to Lee. He will wear the legendary No. 7 shirt, a number previously donned by club icons such as Antoine Griezmann, Diego Forlán, and Manolo. This is the first time in his professional career that Lee has worn the number 7, having previously worn 16 and 20 at Valencia and 19 at Mallorca and PSG.
Spanish outlet Marca highlighted the significance: "The number 7 that Lee Kang-in will wear has held special significance in the history of Atlético Madrid." Griezmann, now at Orlando City after a legendary 501 appearances and 212 goals for the club, sent a warm message to his successor with red and white heart emojis. Lee is stepping into a storied lineage that includes Forlán, Manolo, and Juninho Paulista.
A Blockbuster Return to La Liga
Lee's return to Spanish football comes at the peak of his career. He originally moved to Spain at age ten to join Valencia's famed academy, progressing to the first team and lifting the Copa del Rey in 2019. After 62 senior appearances for Valencia, he transferred to Real Mallorca, where he made 73 appearances and established himself as one of La Liga's most exciting creative talents. That form convinced PSG to sign him in 2023 for €22 million.
The South Korean's time in Paris was marked by both individual and team success. He played a significant role in PSG's two Champions League titles, though his playing time diminished under coach Luis Enrique, who used him primarily as a utility player. According to reports, Lee had made up his mind to leave this summer in search of regular minutes.
Atletico Madrid's official statement highlighted the qualities that made Lee a priority target: "A talented left-footed midfielder, the 25-year-old can operate in the attacking midfield role or from either wing, and stands out for his vision, exquisite ball control and ability to pass and shoot."
Overwhelming Support from Teammates and Legends
As news of Lee's signing spread, an outpouring of affectionate messages flooded his social media accounts. Alex Baena, his new Spanish international teammate at Atletico, posted a welcoming message saying, "I am ready to play together." Baena recently scored the winning goal for Spain in their World Cup group stage match against Uruguay.
Former PSG teammates also showed their support. Neymar, now at Santos, left a heart on Lee's post, while Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) and Joao Neves (PSG) offered congratulations with likes and heart reactions. The PSG official channel bid farewell with: "We thank you for your dedication and wish you well in your future career."
Lee himself posted a lengthy farewell message in French to PSG fans, writing: "The day I arrived in Paris with big dreams is still vivid. As I wrap up my journey in Paris, the first word that comes to mind is gratitude." He added: "The support of the fans who filled Parc des Princes will always remain in my heart. The moment we won two consecutive UCL titles and lifted countless trophies was the greatest glory of my career."
Broader Implications: A New Era for Atletico and La Liga
Lee's arrival signals a strategic shift for Atletico Madrid as they reinforce their attacking options following Griezmann's departure. The club's willingness to pay a significant fee and hand over the iconic No. 7 shirt demonstrates their belief that Lee can become a central figure in Diego Simeone's system. His versatility—able to operate as an attacking midfielder or on either wing—gives Simeone tactical flexibility as Atletico aims to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga and make a deep run in the Champions League.
For Lee, this transfer represents a homecoming to the league where he developed his craft. After reaching global superstardom in Paris, he returns to Spain with a Golden Ball from the 2019 U-20 World Cup, a gold medal from the 2023 Asian Games, and 50 senior caps for South Korea. The World Cup this summer, though ending in group-stage elimination, further showcased his ability on the biggest stage.
PSG, meanwhile, has turned a profit on Lee's sale—€40 million total against the €22 million they paid—freeing up squad space and funds for new acquisitions. The French champions are reportedly pursuing Barcelona's Ferran Torres as a replacement, but they face competition from both Madrid clubs.
The Kang-in Lee transfer adds to an already eventful summer window. Other notable moves include the ongoing saga surrounding Vini Jr., who has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid amid contract stalemates, while Celtic have sealed a Maeda exit as negotiations heat up over a replacement. Atletico's acquisition of Lee sends a clear message: the club is building for sustained success with one of Asia's brightest footballing talents at its core.
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