It is said that Atletico Madrid (AT Madrid) is not willing to pay the buyout amount for Lee Kang-in.
Spanish media Marca said on the 13th (Korean time), “The rumor that AT Madrid will pay a transfer fee of 20 million euros (about 29.1 billion won) for Lee Kang-in Young-ap is not true.” (about 14.6 billion won) or less to be recruited. This has been going on since last January. We will not recruit Lee Kang-in for the buyout amount of 17 million euros (approximately 24.8 billion won).” At the transfer market in January, AT Madrid offered Mallorca a transfer of Lee Kang-in, but was reportedly rejected.
Lee Kang-in made a big success in the Primera Liga this season with 6 goals and 4 assists, and became the first Korean player ever to break through 10 attack points in a single season in the Primera Liga. Lee Kang-in was predicted to be highly likely to transfer with the buyout amount after the end of this season.
El Gold Digital, a Spanish media outlet, said on the 9th, ‘AT Madrid has inquired about Lee Kang-in’s transfer fee to Mallorca and knows that they have to pay 20 million euros to sign Lee Kang-in’. Spanish media Pichajes also mentioned that ‘AT Madrid coach Simeone requested the club to sign three players, including Lee Kang-in, in the summer transfer market’.스포츠토토
On the other hand, the Spanish media Ars said on the 11th, ‘AT Madrid is in a dilemma of choosing between Lee Kang-in and Riquelme. Lee Kang-in has been doing well in Mallorca this season, but AT Madrid also has Riquelme who can play in Lee’s position. Riquelme, who has been impressing at Girona, will return from loan at the end of the season. Riquelme is a player who joins the team even if Atletico Madrid doesn’t pay for it,’ he said.