Madrid's blockbuster signing unexpectedly held up by South Korea – what's happening?

Expected to inherit the No. 7 shirt and become Atletico Madrid's new symbol, Lee Kang-in has yet to set foot in Spain. The reason is not professional but stems from mandatory procedures in South Korea.

Lee Kang-in has become a focal point in both Spain and South Korea after officially joining Atletico Madrid. The Madrid club paid a fixed fee of 35 million euros plus 5 million euros in add-ons to bring the 2001-born star from PSG. With the No. 7 shirt previously associated with Antoine Griezmann, the South Korean international is expected to become the face of a new era under coach Diego Simeone.

However, contrary to the expectations of Atletico fans, Lee Kang-in has yet to depart for Spain to join the squad. According to South Korean media, the reason is not injury or professional issues but administrative procedures related to the military service exemption. The timing of completing these procedures will determine when the star dubbed the "Korean Messi" can officially put on the new team's jersey.

Although he was exempted from military service thanks to winning the gold medal in men's football with the South Korean national team at the 2023 Asian Games, Lee Kang-in still must complete the final steps to be included in the Sports and Arts Personnel Program. Additionally, he is awaiting the authorities to renew his exit permit. Only after receiving approval from the government can the 25-year-old midfielder leave South Korea for Spain.

This has left Atletico Madrid unable to determine exactly when the new signing will arrive. If all procedures are not completed before this Thursday, the possibility of Lee Kang-in participating in the trip to Stockholm to face Manchester United on August 1 is almost nonexistent. In that case, the more feasible option is for him to wait for the team to come to Seoul next week to officially join. Conversely, if permission is granted on Tuesday or Wednesday, Atletico can still arrange for the player to fly to Madrid immediately.

In the meantime, Lee Kang-in continues to prepare according to Atletico Madrid's plan. After three weeks of rest since the end of his World Cup journey on July 17, he is training with a personal fitness coach at FC Seoul's training center.

Notably, the entire fitness regimen and nutritional plan have been directly designed by the Atletico staff and monitored to help the South Korean midfielder achieve peak condition. The club's goal is for Lee Kang-in to quickly integrate with his teammates and be ready to shine in the friendly match against Manchester City on August 9, right after the administrative hurdles in South Korea are resolved.