Lee Kang-in arrives in Spain two weeks after joining Atletico Madrid

Lee Kang-in has arrived in Spain two weeks after signing with La Liga club Atletico Madrid.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported Tuesday that the Atletico Madrid squad returned to Spain that day after completing their Seoul tour. Lee was visiting Majadahonda — where the club's training facilities are located — for the first time since his transfer.

Tuesday marked roughly two weeks since Lee signed with Atletico on July 25, making it his first visit to the team's training ground.

Lee had remained in South Korea after signing rather than traveling to Spain, as administrative procedures related to his military service had not yet been completed. He received a military service exemption after winning a gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games but has not yet finished his alternative service, meaning he was required to obtain official permission to travel abroad under South Korea's Military Service Act.

Delays in that paperwork pushed back his arrival in Spain. Lee made his unofficial club debut Sunday in a preseason friendly against Manchester City.

With the 2026-27 La Liga season opener against Malaga set for 4 a.m. Thursday, Lee will now begin competing in earnest for a starting spot.

Having joined the squad late, Lee had limited time in team training and will need as much preparation as possible before the season kicks off.

"I came to this club to lift trophies," Lee said. "I will give 120 percent to help the team achieve its goals."

Lee played as a second striker against Manchester City and is expected to be assessed in a wider range of positions once the new season gets underway.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said Lee still needs more time to find his match rhythm. "Lee is a versatile player who can handle multiple positions," Simeone said, adding that he plans to deploy Lee in positions that suit the team's needs.