South Korea’s brightest football talent, Lee Kang-in, has been one of the most talked-about players in European football since joining Paris Saint-Germain. From his early days as a prodigy at Valencia to becoming a double UEFA Champions League winner in Paris, his journey is nothing short of remarkable. But as of June 2026, a major new chapter appears to be on the horizon — and football fans around the world are watching closely.
Who Is Lee Kang-In?
Lee Kang-in was born on February 19, 2001, in Gunpo, South Korea. He rose to prominence as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation, earning the Best Player award at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019. His vision, dribbling ability, and creative passing quickly made him a household name in world football.
After his formative years at Valencia’s academy, he moved to RCD Mallorca in Spain, where he truly began to shine. His outstanding performances in La Liga earned him a high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in July 2023 for approximately €22 million — a move that placed him among Europe’s elite.
Lee Kang-In at PSG: The Journey So Far
Arrival and Early Impact
Lee Kang-in joined PSG in the summer of 2023 and quickly impressed fans with his energy, creativity, and work rate. His contract with the club runs until 2028. During his debut 2023–24 season, he made 23 Ligue 1 appearances, contributing 3 goals and 4 assists, and showed flashes of brilliance that hinted at an even bigger role to come.
2024–25 Season: His Best Year at PSG
The 2024–25 season was arguably Lee Kang-in’s finest in a PSG shirt. He appeared in 30 Ligue 1 matches, scoring 6 goals and providing 6 assists, establishing himself as an important rotation player under coach Luis Enrique. He also contributed to PSG’s historic UEFA Champions League title run, helping the club claim back-to-back European titles.
2025–26 Season: A Role as Rotation Player
The 2025–26 campaign has been a more mixed story for the South Korean midfielder. He featured in 27 Ligue 1 matches, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists for a total of 7 goal contributions. One of his standout performances came on April 26, 2026, when he put on a one-man show against Angers, scoring the opening goal in the 7th minute and then setting up the second goal in the 52nd minute, helping PSG cruise to a 3–0 away win. He completed an impressive 96% pass success rate on the day, created 3 chances, and completed 4 crosses.
However, his role gradually diminished as the season progressed. In the UEFA Champions League, he was used exclusively as a substitute in all 10 appearances and was left out of the starting lineup entirely — including the final, for the second consecutive year.
Lee Kang-In and PSG’s Title Glory
Despite his limited role in the biggest matches, Lee Kang-in still collected major honours during his time at PSG.
PSG clinched the 2025–26 Ligue 1 title by defeating RC Lens 2–0 in a rescheduled Round 29 fixture, securing their 14th Ligue 1 crown and fifth consecutive title since the 2021–22 season. Unfortunately, Lee Kang-in missed this title-clinching match after suffering a left ankle injury during PSG’s 1–0 victory over Brest in Round 33 on May 11, 2026. He was substituted off in the 53rd minute after picking up the knock in the first half.
PSG’s medical team confirmed the injury was not severe enough to threaten his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, which begins this month.
Overall, Lee Kang-in has now collected 10 career championship titles, including two UEFA Champions League medals, multiple Ligue 1 titles, French Cup honours, and a French Super Cup.
Lee Kang-In Transfer News: Atletico Madrid Move Imminent
The Growing Desire to Leave PSG
As of June 12, 2026, the biggest story surrounding Lee Kang-in is his impending departure from PSG. After finding himself increasingly on the periphery at the Parc des Princes — used mainly as a substitute and excluded from major finals — reports indicate that the 25-year-old has made clear his wish to move on.
Atletico Madrid Agreement Confirmed
Multiple credible Spanish and French media outlets, including Marca, Cadena Ser, and Mundo Deportivo, have reported that Lee Kang-in has reached an agreement in principle with Atletico Madrid for a summer transfer. Atletico’s CEO Miguel Ángel Gil Marín has long been an admirer of the South Korean, with the club’s interest dating as far back as 2023 when Lee was still at Mallorca.
The expected transfer fee is approximately €25 million (around 44.8 billion Korean won), down from his earlier estimated market value of €28 million. The deal is reportedly facilitated by the strong personal relationship between Atletico CEO Gil Marín and PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
PSG, who reportedly blocked Lee Kang-in’s departure in the January 2025 winter window, have now accepted the player’s desire to leave and are actively involved in finalising negotiations.
Why PSG Are Willing to Sell
Reports suggest PSG’s openness to sell comes from a combination of factors: Lee’s reduced importance in Luis Enrique’s squad rotation, his personal desire for a change of scenery, and the club’s willingness to reinvest the transfer fee. PSG have confirmed they will not sell him at a bargain price, and the €25 million figure reflects a fair valuation for both parties.
What Atletico Madrid Offers
For Lee Kang-in, Atletico Madrid represents an attractive proposition. The club offers guaranteed playing time, a return to Spanish football — where he built his reputation at Valencia and Mallorca — and the chance to compete in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League as a regular starter. At just 25 years old, he has his prime years ahead of him and craves the central role that Atletico can provide.
Lee Kang-In at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Before any transfer is formalised, Lee Kang-in’s immediate focus is the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which kicks off this month. He has been named in South Korea’s national squad under head coach Hong Myung-bo. His participation was briefly in doubt following the ankle injury sustained against Brest, but PSG confirmed the injury was not serious enough to rule him out of the tournament.
The World Cup offers Lee Kang-in a global stage to remind everyone of his quality and arrive at Atletico Madrid — should the transfer be finalised — on the back of a strong international tournament.
Lee Kang-In Career Stats Summary
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | PSG | Ligue 1 | 23 | 3 | 4 |
| 2024–25 | PSG | Ligue 1 | 30 | 6 | 6 |
| 2025–26 | PSG | Ligue 1 | 27 | 3 | 4 |
| 2022–23 | Mallorca | La Liga | 36 | 6 | 6 |
Across all competitions in his career, Lee Kang-in has made over 186 club appearances, scoring 24 goals and providing 25 assists, while winning 10 major trophies.
Why Lee Kang-In Matters for South Korean Football
Lee Kang-in is more than just a talented footballer — he is the torchbearer for a new generation of South Korean players on the world stage. Alongside veterans like Son Heung-min, he has helped elevate the profile of Korean football in Europe. His journey from a teenager at Valencia to a Champions League winner at PSG is an inspiration to millions of young players in South Korea and across Asia.
His large and passionate fan base in South Korea means his every move attracts significant media attention, a factor that clubs like Atletico Madrid are also keenly aware of in terms of global brand value.
Will Lee Kang-in make his mark at Atletico Madrid, or do you think he should stay and fight for his place at PSG? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for the latest updates on his transfer saga!