Lee Kang-in nears Atletico Madrid move, undergoes medical in South Korea

Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain is understood to have undergone a medical examination in South Korea ahead of a move to Spanish top-flight club Atletico Madrid.

The Dorim-dong Education Center announced Monday on its website that Dr. Jose Maria Villaron, Atletico Madrid's team doctor and head of medical services, had traveled to South Korea to conduct the medical for national team player Lee Kang-in.

The center added that Villaron had taken time out of a busy schedule to visit the facility.

The Dorim-dong Education Center is a boys-only educational facility operated by the East Asia International Exchange Foundation.

The organization said students and acquaintances who love football were able to gather for a meaningful occasion, during which Villaron spoke candidly about his more than 30 years working alongside world-class players, his experiences in sports medicine and the life lessons he had drawn from them.

Villaron has served as Atletico Madrid's head of medical services since July 1995, a tenure spanning more than three decades.

He traveled to Korea specifically to conduct the medical for Lee, who has been resting at home following the North and Central America World Cup. His visit to the Dorim-dong Education Center was a return trip — he had first visited the facility when Atletico Madrid came to Korea for the 2023 Coupang Inc Play Series.

French outlet RMC Sport reported July 6 that Lee, after three seasons at PSG, would be leaving the Paris club, saying PSG and Atletico Madrid had reached an agreement to transfer the player.

The outlet said the two clubs had agreed on a fee exceeding 40 million euros ($44 million), while transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano also said personal terms had been agreed and only the formalities remained.

Lee joined PSG in the summer of 2023 and over three seasons made 124 appearances across all competitions, contributing 16 goals and 16 assists. He was part of the squad that won the UEFA Champions League in two consecutive seasons, along with a number of other trophies.

However, Lee frequently found himself on the bench for high-stakes matches, including Champions League finals. Ultimately, he sought a new club to secure more playing time and chose to return to Spain, where he spent his youth career.

Atletico Madrid sent its medical staff directly to Korea to conduct the examination while Lee rests following the World Cup, signaling the club's eagerness to accelerate the signing.