'Lee Kang-in Effect' Drives Atletico Madrid's Globe-Trotting Preseason Tour
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Atletico Madrid is undertaking a demanding 40,000 km preseason tour covering nearly the globe in 15 days.
- The club's extensive travel schedule is driven by maximizing the marketability of player Lee Kang-in.
- This strategy aims to leverage Lee Kang-in's significant commercial appeal.
Atletico Madrid is embarking on an ambitious preseason tour this summer, traveling nearly the circumference of the Earth. The Spanish club will cover over 40,000 kilometers in just 15 days, a grueling schedule undertaken to capitalize on the immense market potential of their player, Lee Kang-in.
According to Spanish news agency EFE, Atletico Madrid's decision to endure such a demanding itinerary is directly linked to maximizing the influence and commercial reach of the 25-year-old player. The club sees Lee Kang-in as a key asset whose global appeal can be leveraged through extensive international exposure during the preseason.
This strategy underscores the growing importance of player marketability in modern football. Clubs are increasingly willing to invest in extensive travel and demanding schedules if they believe it will enhance a player's brand value and, consequently, the club's commercial revenue. Lee Kang-in's marketability is seen as a significant factor driving this decision.
The tour's extensive travel plan highlights Atletico Madrid's focus on expanding its global footprint and engaging with international fan bases. By undertaking such a challenging journey, the club aims to connect with fans worldwide and potentially attract new commercial partnerships, all centered around the appeal of Lee Kang-in.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.