SEOUL, July 26 (AJP) - South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in has completed a return to Spain after joining Atletico Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract, handing Diego Simeone one of Europe's most versatile attacking midfielders and giving South Korea another marquee presence in La Liga.
Atletico announced Saturday that it had reached an agreement with PSG to sign the 25-year-old until June 30, 2031. While neither club disclosed financial terms, European media estimated the transfer fee at around 40 million euros ($46 million).
Lee becomes Atletico's new No. 7 as the club looks to reinforce its attack following the departure of longtime talisman Antoine Griezmann.
In his first message to supporters, delivered in fluent Spanish through the club's social media channels, Lee said he was "very happy to join such a big club" and eager to begin "a new adventure" with Atletico before ending with the club's famous rallying cry, "Aupa Atleti."
The move marks Lee's return to Spanish football three years after leaving Mallorca for PSG in 2023.
Born in Incheon, Lee moved to Spain at age 10 to join Valencia's youth academy before making his senior debut in 2018. He later spent two seasons at Mallorca, where his performances established him as one of La Liga's most creative midfielders and earned him a move to the French champions.
During three seasons in Paris, Lee made 124 appearances in all competitions, scoring 16 goals and providing 16 assists. He helped PSG win back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles as well as three Ligue 1 championships, two French Cups, two French Super Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
Although he enjoyed considerable team success, Lee's playing time became less consistent under coach Luis Enrique, who often deployed him in multiple roles rather than as a regular starter.
Lee also arrives at Atletico after representing South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he started all three group-stage matches despite the Taeguk Warriors' early elimination.
One of South Korea's most accomplished players of his generation, Lee won the Golden Ball as the best player at the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup after leading South Korea to a runner-up finish. He also captured a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games with South Korea's under-23 team, securing exemption from mandatory military service.
Having spent most of his football career in Spain, Lee is expected to adapt quickly to Simeone's system as Atletico seek to challenge for domestic and European honours in the new season.
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