Atletico Madrid completes signing of Kang-in Lee from Paris Saint-Germain
Atletico Madrid has announced the signing of South Korean international Kang-in Lee from Paris Saint-Germain. The Spanish club confirmed on Saturday that Lee has signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2031. This transfer marks Lee as Atletico’s third summer acquisition, following Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand and Spanish full-back Alejandro Grimaldo.
While the exact transfer fee was not officially disclosed by the clubs, reports from media circles in Seoul and sources close to the negotiations suggest it is around 40 million euros, with some reports indicating it could be between 35 and 40 million euros, potentially including 5 million euros in easily achievable add-ons. This figure positions the deal as the second most expensive transfer for a Korean player in football history, surpassed only by Kim Min-jae’s move to Bayern Munich for 50 million euros in 2023. It also comfortably exceeds Son Heung-min’s 30 million euro switch to Tottenham in 2015.
The 25-year-old midfielder is described by his new club as a talented left-footed player capable of operating in an attacking midfield role or from either wing. His attributes include vision, ball control, and passing and shooting ability. Lee brings considerable European experience, having joined Valencia’s academy at the age of ten and later making his first-team debut there. He subsequently played for Mallorca before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.
During his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Lee scored 16 goals in 124 appearances and collected 12 trophies. However, he experienced limited playing time under Luis Enrique and sustained a thigh injury in January. He was an unused substitute when PSG won the last two Champions League finals. Lee has also made 50 international appearances for South Korea, featuring in all three group-stage matches at the World Cup where South Korea did not advance.
His arrival is seen as a qualitative boost to Atletico’s ambitions for domestic and continental titles. Media in Seoul have highlighted Lee as the first Korean player to join “the big three in La Liga,” a group that includes Atletico Madrid alongside Real Madrid and Barcelona. Sources in the Korean capital believe that adapting to Diego Simeone’s philosophy will not be a significant challenge for Lee, given his extensive experience in Spanish football.
Khusanov extends contract with Manchester City
In other transfer news, Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov has signed a new five-year contract extension with the Premier League club. The 22-year-old centre-back joined City from French side Lens in January 2025. Khusanov played a role in City’s success last season, helping the team win the FA Cup and League Cup, and finish second in the Premier League.
Khusanov has been capped 30 times for Uzbekistan and participated in the World Cup, playing in all three of his country’s Group K matches. He expressed his happiness about extending his stay, stating, “I’ve enjoyed every minute since I arrived in Manchester and I feel I am growing and learning a lot as a player.” He also mentioned his new challenge of impressing new manager Enzo Maresca and his staff to secure a regular spot in the team.
Hugo Viana, City’s director of football, commented on Khusanov’s development, noting his growth into a “brilliant young man and an outstanding defender.” Viana believes that Khusanov, at 22, has his best years ahead of him and possesses the potential to become a world-class centre-back due to his physical and technical abilities. Khusanov is the second City player to commit to a long-term future with the club this week, following England forward Phil Foden’s new four-year deal.
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Source: goal.com
