Atletico Madrid Near Breakthrough in Long-Term Pursuit of PSG’s Kang-in Lee
Negotiations reach advanced stage as Los Colchoneros look to finalize a fee for the South Korean attacker.
Atletico Madrid has reached an advanced stage in negotiations to sign Kang-in Lee from Paris Saint-Germain, signaling the culmination of a pursuit that began during the winter transfer window. According to reporting from Fabrizio Romano, personal terms between the South Korean attacker and the Spanish club are already settled, shifting the focus entirely to the final valuation and payment structure between the two teams.
The move represents a strategic victory for Diego Simeone, who identified Lee as a primary target in January. At that time, the French champions blocked any potential exit, but the player’s desire to return to Spain has remained a constant factor. Lee, 24, previously developed his game at Valencia and Real Mallorca before his move to Paris in 2023. Spanish outlets, including Marca, indicate that the player has agreed to a long-term contract that would keep him at the Metropolitano until June 2031.
Financially, a gap remains between the two clubs’ valuations, though it is narrowing. ESPN reports that PSG is seeking a figure in the region of €35 million. This contrasts with earlier Spanish reports suggesting Atletico’s initial valuation sat between €25 million and €30 million. The discrepancy is expected to be resolved through a complex structure of performance-related add-ons and bonuses.
Atletico’s ability to finalize the deal is contingent on their broader financial management. Under the strict economic management regulations of La Liga, the club must balance incoming transfers with player departures to maintain their squad cost limits. This necessity has dictated a summer of “purposeful movement,” as Romano described, where planned sales are being leveraged to fund high-priority arrivals like Lee.
PSG’s stance has softened significantly since the winter, largely due to Lee entering the final two years of his contract. With the player’s preference for Los Colchoneros clearly established, the Parisian side is now prioritizing a pragmatic exit over a prolonged standoff. Once the final fee structure is ratified, medical examinations and a formal announcement are expected to follow in short order.
