Lee Kang-in's Stock Soars After World Cup Performance: Move to Atletico Madrid Gains Momentum

[Anchor]

Lee Kang-in, who has emerged as the ace of the national team in this tournament, is seeing his stock rise day by day. A transfer to the prestigious Spanish club Atletico Madrid is gaining significant momentum.

Reporter Hong Seok-jun has the story.

[Reporter]

Lee Kang-in, who spent more time on the bench than on the pitch while struggling for a starting spot at his club Paris Saint-Germain last season, has been in stellar form since the World Cup began.

Leading the national team's attack in matches against the Czech Republic and Mexico, he has recorded one assist and is being recognized for having some of the best passing ability in the tournament.

Based on these performances, the possibility of him securing a new opportunity is increasing.

There have long been reports that the Spanish powerhouse Atletico Madrid would sign Lee as a replacement for their "ace" Griezmann, who left for the U.S. league. Today, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, an expert on the European football transfer market, reported that Lee has reached a personal agreement with Atletico.

[Fabrizio Romano/Italian Football Journalist: Atletico Madrid has been negotiating to sign Lee Kang-in for a very long time. Lee has also received interest from English Premier League clubs, but he is very eager to move to Atletico Madrid.]

Although he is facing a crucial decision in his football career, Lee is currently focused solely on the third match against South Africa.

Notably, Lee is the only player on our team, including age-group national teams, to have faced South Africa, and he has fond memories of a victory in the group stage of the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Two players he faced back then are now key members of the South African national team.

Lee, who previously faced their main goal-scorer Apolos—who recorded two goals and four assists in the World Cup qualifiers—and forward Foster, who plays for Burnley in England, is sharing their strengths and weaknesses with his teammates.

[Lee Kang-in/National Football Team Midfielder: I think I need to try my best to help the team as much as possible in the next match, and I need to prepare well.]

Lee is preparing a decisive "kill pass" to lead the national team to victory against South Africa and further elevate his own value.

Reported by Hong Seok-jun | Video by Park Chun-bae | Graphics by Jo Su-in | Source: YouTube 'Fabrizio Romano'
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.