Atletico Madrid transfer news today: Rojiblancos complete ‘key’ €40m signing from PSG

certified author
update icon

Updated

Atletico Madrid transfer news today: Rojiblancos complete ‘key’ €40m signing from PSG
Ibrahim MBAYE of Paris Saint-Germain , Khvicha KVARATSKHELIA of Paris Saint-Germain , Lee KANG IN of Paris Saint-Germain , Warren ZAIRE-EMERY of Paris Saint-Germain and Senny MAYULU of Paris Saint-Germain during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Paris FC and Paris SG at Stade Jean Bouin on May 17, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Philippe Lecoeur/FEP/Icon Sport)

Atletico Madrid have strengthened their squad with the signing of South Korea international Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain on a long-term contract, with the club announcing it on July 25.

The 25-year-old completed a permanent switch to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano after Diego Simeone's side reached an agreement with the European champions, ending Lee's three-year spell in the French capital. 

The midfielder has signed a deal until June 2031, with reports during negotiations placing the transfer package at around €40 million including add-ons.

Lee arrives in Madrid after winning multiple major honours with PSG, including back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles, and now returns to La Liga, where he previously impressed for Valencia and Mallorca before earning his move to Paris.

Atletico Madrid transfer news: Why Lee Kang-in fits Diego Simeone's plans

Lee gives Simeone another technically gifted attacking option capable of playing as a number 10, on either wing or in a deeper midfield role.

His versatility has long been one of his biggest strengths, allowing him to influence games through intelligent movement, close control and creative passing. Atletico have been keen to add greater creativity following several attacking departures this summer, and Lee appears well suited to that objective.

The South Korea international also arrives fresh from representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding experience to an Atletico squad aiming to challenge on multiple fronts this season.

Atletico Madrid transfer news: What does Lee Kang-in bring?

Although competition for places at PSG became increasingly fierce, Lee leaves Paris with an impressive collection of trophies and valuable Champions League experience.

Having already proved himself in Spanish football earlier in his career, the move represents an opportunity to become a regular starter again while returning to a league where his technical ability first caught the attention of Europe's elite clubs.

For Atletico, signing a player entering his prime years on a five-year contract represents both an immediate boost and a long-term investment. 

FW verdict: A smart long-term move by Atletico Madrid

On paper, this looks like one of Atletico Madrid's smartest pieces of business this summer.

Lee Kang-in may not command the same headlines as some of Europe's biggest attacking stars, but his technical quality, positional flexibility and previous success in La Liga make him a natural fit for Simeone's system. 

At 25, he still has room to improve, while his experience of winning major honours at PSG should only strengthen Atletico's mentality in the biggest matches.

certified author

Joshua Cole is a passionate football writer with a keen eye for the game’s biggest stories and hidden gems. He blends sharp analysis with engaging storytelling, covering players, matches, and trends from across the football world.

Related articles