Lee Kang-in remains in South Korea, delays Atletico Madrid debut
Lee Kang-in, newly signed by Atletico Madrid from PSG for $40 million, remains in South Korea to complete military exemption procedures despite having been granted exemption for winning gold at the 2023 Asian Games. Pending completion of paperwork and visa extension, the 25-year-old winger trains with FC Seoul to maintain fitness. Atletico plans preseason friendlies against Man Utd on August 1 in Sweden and Man City on August 9 in South Korea. Lee had featured in 124 matches for PSG, claiming 12 titles including two Champions League trophies. His arrival is anticipated to fill the gap left by Antoine Griezmann’s departure.
Key facts
- Lee Kang-in signed by Atletico Madrid for $40 million from PSG
- Currently completing military exemption paperwork despite Asian Games gold
- Training with FC Seoul to maintain fitness ahead of preseason matches
Why it matters
Lee Kang-in’s delay in joining Atletico Madrid points to ongoing challenges for South Korean athletes involving military service obligations despite sports exemptions. His integration into a major European club is highly anticipated, as it fills a key squad gap and highlights the growing impact of Asian players in top-tier football. Tracking his progress provides insight into the intersection of sports, national duty, and career development for overseas Vietnamese and wider Asian football followers.
Source and method
This brief was written by Daily Vietnam's editing desk from a report published by VnExpress - Thể thao, using AI assistance and a fixed editorial structure. It contains only facts established by that report and adds nothing from outside it. It is a summary for readers who do not read Vietnamese, not a replacement for the original. All reporting credit belongs to VnExpress - Thể thao.
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