Atletico Madrid has signed South Korean footballer Lee Kang-in on a five-year contract [2].
The acquisition represents a strategic move by the Madrid-based club to improve its offensive capabilities. Club officials said Lee was sought to strengthen creative options in the midfield and on the flanks to address a perceived lack of creativity in the attack [1, 2].
The financial terms of the deal are significant. The transfer fee is reported to be up to €40 million, which is approximately ₩67.1 billion [2]. Additionally, Lee's annual salary is expected to be around ₩10 billion [2].
This investment places Lee among the high-value transfers for South Korean players in European leagues. For comparison, the dossier notes that Kim Min-jae moved to Bayern Munich in 2023 for a fee of €50 million [2].
Atletico Madrid confirmed the signing via its official website, where the club displayed Lee's image on its home page [1, 2]. The announcement was made in late May 2024 [1, 2].
Lee brings a technical skill set that the Spanish side believes will unlock defenses. By securing a five-year commitment [2], Atletico Madrid is betting on the midfielder's long-term growth, and his ability to integrate into the competitive environment of La Liga.
“Atletico Madrid has signed South Korean footballer Lee Kang-in on a five-year contract”
The signing of Lee Kang-in underscores the growing market value of South Korean talent in top-tier European football. By investing heavily in a creative midfielder, Atletico Madrid is shifting its tactical approach to prioritize playmaking and versatility on the wings, aiming to reduce the predictability of its offensive transitions.
