Atlético closing in on Grimaldo and Kang-in Lee as first summer signings
Atlético Madrid are close to completing deals for Grimaldo and Kang-in Lee, a combined €55m move that would address the left-back gap and the attacking midfield void.
Atlético Madrid is moving swiftly to secure Grimaldo and Kang-in Lee as the first signings of the summer transfer window, with the club valuing the pair at around €55 million before add-ons. The proposed split places approximately €20 million on the Spaniard left-back and about €35 million on the South Korean attacker, though the final figures could shift depending on performance-related variables. Club sources say the plan is to conclude both operations early in the transfer period so the arrivals can be integrated ahead of the new season.
Negotiations buoyed by strong ties with Bayer and PSG
Club officials in Madrid have benefited from constructive relationships with counterparts at Bayer and Paris Saint-Germain, a factor seen as instrumental in advancing talks for the two targets. Atlético executives report a smooth line of communication with Bayer’s leadership and with PSG’s hierarchy, which has smoothed initial bargaining phases on both deals. That rapport is credited with reducing friction in what could otherwise be protracted negotiations for two high-profile players.
Left-back need and attacking midfield replacement drive transfers
The pursuit of Grimaldo responds to a long-standing priority to reinforce the left side of defence, a position Atlético have targeted for months. Sporting directors emphasise the tactical importance of upgrading that flank to provide balance and more attacking width. Kang-in Lee is being evaluated as a high-end solution to mitigate the attacking shortfall left by recent exits, with the club seeking a creative player capable of filling the creative vacuum.
Financial structure and contingency on variables
Atlético’s €55 million estimate for both acquisitions is presented as a headline number that could be modified by add-ons and performance clauses. Club negotiators are working to define what portion of the fees will be fixed and what portion will be contingent on appearances, goals, team performance, or international milestones. The use of deferred payments and incentives is expected to be part of the final package as the club balances immediate needs with financial constraints.
Mateu Alemany coordinating broader squad work
Sporting director Mateu Alemany is driving the wider rebuilding process while prioritising the Grimaldo and Kang-in pursuits. Sources close to the sporting office say Alemany is also advancing plans to strengthen midfield areas and exploring sale options to generate funds. The club intends to couple incoming signings with targeted departures to maintain squad balance and free wage room for new contracts.
World Cup focus for both players as negotiations progress
Despite transfer talks, both Grimaldo and Kang-in Lee remain concentrated on their national team duties at the World Cup and are not being rushed into club commitments. Grimaldo is yet to make his senior tournament debut and is currently a backup option in Spain’s left-back pool, while Kang-in has been a focal figure for South Korea and carries expectations of providing creative impetus. Atlético have reiterated that any agreement will respect the players’ international schedules and fitness considerations.
Shift from initial targets: Cucurella and Bernardo Silva influence strategy
Atlético’s current plan marks a change from earlier plans that focused on targets such as Cucurella and Bernardo Silva, players who were pursued strongly in previous windows. The club came close to signing high-profile alternatives but saw key moves disrupted by rival clubs stepping in, prompting a reassessment of priorities. Executives say the current valuation mirrors market dynamics and offers a pragmatic route to reinforce two critical positions this summer.
Both signings would arrive with clear tactical expectations: Grimaldo to shore up and modernise the left back role with offensive support, and Kang-in Lee to add versatility, creativity, and goal threat in advanced positions. Atlético’s recruitment team believes the combination can deliver immediate benefits while fitting into long-term planning.
The club plans to accelerate negotiations now that the official transfer period is imminent, aiming to have the deals completed and announced in the weeks following the conclusion of international duties. Sources stress that while optimism is high, Atlético will not compromise on contractual safeguards and scouting due diligence.
If completed, the double acquisition would signal a decisive opening to Atlético’s summer window and set the tone for further recruitment and possible sales designed to rebalance the squad ahead of the new season.
Expectations inside the club are that Grimaldo and Kang-in Lee will be presented as priority reinforcements whose arrival would both meet immediate tactical needs and reflect a broader strategy of targeted, cost-conscious recruitment.
