Lee Kang-in sets Atletico Madrid pre-debut jersey sales record, surpassing Alvarez

Hupu July 29 — According to Marca, South Korean star Lee Kang-in has officially joined Atlético Madrid, becoming the third new signing for the Rojiblancos this summer.

The South Korean midfielder, long coveted by Atlético, has finally left Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Although he was not a regular starter during his time at PSG, as a "super-sub," he helped Luis Enrique's team win the club's second Champions League trophy last season. Now wearing the red and white shirt, Lee Kang-in is proving that his arrival is far more than just filling the void left by Antoine Griezmann's departure.

Commercial Phenomenon

The commercial impact of Lee Kang-in's signing has been extraordinary, and initial sales data speaks for itself:

• Without having played a single minute for Atlético, he has already become the signing with the highest pre-debut jersey sales in the club's history.
• This commercial shockwave has surpassed even that of stars like Álvarez who joined earlier.
• The surge will significantly boost revenue at the Metropolitano Stadium.

In a strategic move, Atlético directly handed him the legendary No. 7 jersey left by Griezmann. This signals the club's high expectations for his competitive ability while also serving as a commercial masterstroke to ignite fan purchasing power.

The "Lee Kang-in Effect"

This phenomenon has not only caused an "earthquake" in South Korea but has also radiated across the ocean:

• At the time of the signing announcement, giant posters of the new Atlético star lit up the exterior walls of several iconic landmarks in Seoul, sending the entire country into a frenzy.
• The nearly two million Korean-American diaspora in the United States have shown astonishing purchasing power, making the U.S. another hotspot for Atlético jersey sales.

Upcoming South Korea Tour

The entire Atlético squad is scheduled to depart for South Korea on August 5, and this "red and white wave" is about to reach its peak. To coincide with the tour:

• Atlético will open a "Casa Atlético" pop-up store in Seoul, following the successful model used in Los Angeles and Miami.
• The venue will host various fan interaction events and an offline viewing party for the friendly match between Manchester City and Atlético Madrid.
• Official temporary sales points will be set up at two top shopping malls in Seoul.

Although these outlets are not permanent, Atlético officials have stated that future commercial plans will depend on the popularity of this South Korea tour. They do not rule out the possibility of reaching deep commercial sponsorship agreements with major South Korean brands in the future.

Competitive Rationale

Behind the commercial frenzy, Atlético's top brass have repeatedly emphasized that competitive strength was the primary reason for signing Lee Kang-in. The coaching staff believes that after his experience with the double Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain, Lee Kang-in has undergone a qualitative leap. He possesses fine technical skills and strong creativity, fully capable of taking over Griezmann's mantle and becoming the new core of the team's attack.

Military Service Exemption

Currently, Lee Kang-in has not yet made an official public appearance, mainly because he is waiting for the South Korean government to issue a certificate exempting him from mandatory military service. He earned this exemption by leading the South Korean team to win the men's football gold medal at the Asian Games. Once he obtains the relevant travel documents, Atlético will decide whether he should fly to Madrid to report first or join the team directly in Seoul.

Source: Marca