Breaking: Lee Kang-in on the Verge of Atlético Move
Atlético Madrid are on the brink of completing their second major signing of the summer transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain's attacking midfielder Kang-in Lee set to join the club for a fee that will place him among the most expensive Asian players of all time.
Multiple reports, including from Transfermarkt, indicate that negotiations are at an advanced stage, with the South Korean international eager to take on a new challenge in La Liga after two seasons at the Parc des Princes.
Lee, 25, joined Paris Saint-Germain from RCD Mallorca in 2023 for a reported €22 million, but his time in Ligue 1 has been mixed. While he showcased his technical ability and versatility, he often struggled for consistent minutes in a star-studded attack. A move to Atlético Madrid represents a fresh start under Diego Simeone, a manager known for maximizing the potential of hard-working, creative forwards.
The Fee and All-Time Asian Transfer Record
The reported transfer fee for Lee is in the region of €45 million, a sum that would place him second on the all-time list of biggest transfer fees paid for Asian players. The top spot is currently held by South Korean centre-back Kim Min-jae, who made a €50 million switch from Napoli to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023.
"This transfer not only reflects Lee's talent but also the growing market value of Asian footballers in the global market," a source close to the negotiations told Transfermarkt.
Here is a quick look at the top five most expensive Asian transfers of all time (based on reported initial fees):
- Kim Min-jae – Napoli to Bayern Munich (2023) – €50m
- Kang-in Lee – PSG to Atlético Madrid (2025) – €45m*
- Son Heung-min – Bayer Leverkusen to Tottenham (2015) – €30m
- Hidetoshi Nakata – Roma to Parma (2001) – €28.4m
- Shinji Kagawa – Borussia Dortmund to Manchester United (2012) – €16m
*Pending official confirmation
What Lee Brings to Simeone's Atlético
Lee is a left-footed playmaker capable of operating as an attacking midfielder or on either wing. His close control, vision, and ability to unlock defences with incisive passes make him an ideal fit for an Atlético side that has often lacked creativity in the final third.
During his time at Mallorca, Lee was one of La Liga's breakout stars, registering 6 goals and 7 assists in the 2022/23 season, earning him a move to Paris. His minutes diminished at PSG, but he still managed a respectable 10 goal contributions in all competitions last term while competing with the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Gonçalo Ramos.
Simeone is known to be a keen admirer of Lee’s versatility and work rate, attributes that often define Atlético's successful signings. With the potential departure of certain forwards, Lee could become a pivotal figure in the Rojiblancos' attack for the 2025/26 campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Atlético Madrid are closing in on a €45 million deal for PSG's Kang-in Lee.
- The fee would make Lee the second most expensive Asian player ever, behind only Kim Min-jae.
- Lee returns to La Liga, where he previously excelled with Mallorca, and is expected to add creativity to Diego Simeone's side.
- The transfer highlights the increasing value and demand for Asian talent in top European leagues.
- This would be Atlético's second major signing of the summer, signaling their intent to compete across all fronts.
Quick Facts:
Player: Kang-in Lee
From: Paris Saint-Germain
To: Atlético Madrid
Reported Fee: €45 million
Age: 25
Position: Attacking midfielder / Winger