Atletico Madrid in advanced talks to sign Kang-in Lee from PSG in summer midfield overhaul

Atletico Madrid are in advanced talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Kang-in Lee this summer, with the 25-year-old South Korean international identified as a genuine priority target for Los Colchoneros, according to Fabrizio Romano. The development marks a significant turn in a pursuit that had repeatedly stalled, most recently in January when PSG shut down any prospect of a mid-season exit.

Lee joined PSG from Mallorca in the summer of 2023 and has spent three seasons in the French capital, where his role has been a consistent source of debate. Technically gifted and capable of operating as an advanced eight or a ten, he offers pressing intensity, set-piece quality, and the ability to play through tight spaces — attributes Diego Simeone has struggled to replace since the departure of João Félix and the gradual decline of Koke as a creative force.

The core problem at PSG has been minutes. A crowded and expensive attacking midfield has limited Lee’s consistent involvement, and both French and Korean outlets have reported that he is open to a return to La Liga. His prior spell at Mallorca gives him a working knowledge of Spanish football’s rhythms, which reduces the adaptation risk Atletico would ordinarily carry with a signing from Ligue 1.

The financial picture remains the central complication. Spanish and French reports have placed Atletico’s initial thinking around €25m, with figures closer to €35–40m cited at the upper end. PSG’s leverage is real: Lee is 25, still ascending, and the club explored a contract extension as recently as the winter window to protect his valuation and deter suitors.

PSG’s stance has nonetheless softened considerably from January, when journalist Santi Aouna reported that Paris told Atletico there would be “no negotiations, neither now nor in the short term.” That the two clubs are now in advanced discussions suggests either a shift in PSG’s squad planning, an improved Atletico proposal, or both. The gap between the clubs’ valuations has not been reported as closed, and that remains the live obstacle to completing the deal.

Atletico are running multiple midfield negotiations simultaneously this summer, a sign of how seriously director Mateu Alemany is treating the positional need. Alongside the Lee pursuit, the club have also opened talks with Manchester City over a separate midfield target, underlining the scale of the rebuild Simeone has demanded heading into the new season.