Lee Kang-in wants to play football. Regularly, ideally. And it looks like Atlético Madrid might be where that happens.

The 25-year-old South Korean midfielder has told representatives he would be “delighted to join” the Madrid club for the 2026/27 season, with discussions between Atlético and his camp already well underway. The potential price tag sits around €25 million, a notable discount from the €40-50 million PSG had previously demanded.

A deal months in the making

Negotiations between PSG and Atlético have reportedly been ongoing since January 2026. Chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, sporting director Mateu Alemany, and coach Diego Simeone have all been part of the conversations around bringing Lee to the Metropolitano.

For PSG, Lee’s limited playing time in Paris made this outcome feel almost inevitable. Lee joined PSG in 2023 following a successful stint at Mallorca, but competition for minutes has been fierce, with numerous star players occupying similar positions.

Why Atlético makes sense

Diego Simeone’s squad has been looking to refresh its attacking options, particularly with potential player departures on the horizon. Lee Kang-in fits a specific profile that Atlético has been targeting: a left-footed attacking option who can operate across the front line.

There’s also the question of what happens with Antoine Griezmann. Whether Lee is meant to eventually replace Griezmann or simply complement an aging squad core, Atlético has been tracking Lee since before his move to PSG, recognizing his potential fit within Simeone’s tactical setup.

For Lee personally, the appeal is straightforward. He wants minutes and a consistent role, which he has not had at PSG.

What this means for the broader picture

A €25 million fee, if it holds, represents the gap between PSG’s initial €40-50 million valuation and what Atlético is currently willing to pay. PSG may push for add-ons or performance-related clauses to bridge that difference. Moving Lee could also provide PSG with essential funds while alleviating squad depth issues.

Atlético’s intent appears to be blending youth and experience in anticipation of player departures this summer, making Lee an attractive target rather than a reactive signing.