Lee Kang-in's arrival at Atlético Madrid delayed by military service exemption procedures

Lee Kang-in's highly anticipated move to Spanish club Atlético Madrid has been put on hold due to pending administrative procedures concerning his military service exemption. The 25-year-old footballer, who recently signed a five-year contract with the Madrid-based team, remains in South Korea while finalizing the necessary paperwork.

Spanish sports outlet Marca reported that Lee is currently training at the GS Champions Park, the training facility for K League 1 club FC Seoul. He was also seen attending FC Seoul's match against Ulsan HD on July 26. His presence in South Korea is mandated by Korean law, specifically related to the administrative process for his exemption, which he received after winning the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

Marca detailed that Lee must complete certain administrative steps for his inclusion in the arts and sports personnel program, and is awaiting final approval from the Military Manpower Administration for an extension of his overseas travel permit. This process is crucial for his integration into the Atlético Madrid squad.

If Lee receives the necessary approval by August 1, he could potentially join his new team for their preseason friendly against Manchester United in Sweden. Should the administrative procedures extend beyond that date, his debut with Atlético Madrid might occur during the Coupang Play Series match against Manchester City at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 9.

Steve Kim, a correspondent for The Hankyoreh, suggested that Lee might prefer to complete his remaining military obligations in Korea rather than risk disrupting his physical condition with long-distance travel. Atlético Madrid is scheduled to travel to Seoul on August 5.

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Lee Kang-in is still in Korea due to administrative procedures related to the military exemption he received for the 2023 Asian Games. His joining date will be determined once all administrative procedures are completed.