Atletico Madrid has opened concrete talks with PSG and Lee Kang-in's representatives over a possible transfer, and transfer expert Matteo Moretto says Atletico is now the front-runner. "Atletico is leading the race to sign Lee Kang-in," Moretto said, adding that "Lee Kang-in also wants to join Atletico. Talks have already taken place between the club and the player's representatives." The development was reported on the 10th local time and marks a new phase in negotiations that until recently PSG resisted.
The case for Atletico rests on Lee Kang-in's blend of minutes and production this season. He recorded three goals and four assists in 27 league matches, appeared as a substitute in all 10 UEFA Champions League matches and played only 12 minutes in the first leg of the quarterfinal against Liverpool. Despite those appearances, Lee was excluded from PSG's final stage for the second consecutive year — a detail the player used to press his case directly with the club. Lee Kang-in personally visited PSG's top management and urged them to review offers from other clubs, and PSG reversed a six-month not-for-sale stance after the player's persistent desire to move became clear.
Atletico's interest is framed as both sporting and commercial. Coaching staff see a player with the quick feet and dribbling to open attacking lanes; Diego Simeone can use Lee Kang-in as a dribbler to create space for others. Club officials also view the South Korean international as a potential bridge to the Asian market and a way to secure sponsorship revenue, an argument that strengthens Atletico's bid beyond on-pitch fit.
The negotiations carry friction. For half a year PSG maintained a not-for-sale position, and the decision to rethink that policy only came after Lee pressed his case — a reversal that underscores how much the player wants the move. PSG's coach made clear he had no intention of forcing a dissatisfied player to stay, but that does not remove the financial obstacle: Moretto warned any interested rival that transfer sums will matter. "Barcelona must offer more than 125 million euros (approximately 219.6 billion won) for Atletico to consider selling," he said, signaling a price floor that could shape or stall talks.
What happens next is straightforward and decisive: Atletico and PSG must agree a fee. Talks have moved past preliminary scouting and into negotiation, but no transfer is yet complete. If Atletico wants to close the deal it must match PSG's valuation — and if other clubs raise the offer, Atletico's position could shift. For now, Atletico leads the chase and Lee Kang-in wants the move; whether the chase becomes a transfer will turn on money and timing, with the fee question the single clearest obstacle standing between these talks and a signed contract.
