[SPOTV News — Jang Ha-jun] Atlético Madrid appears to have been handed a hint about the type of player it wants as Antoine Griezmann’s successor. Could that hint be pointing to Lee Kang-in?
Spanish journalist Rubén Ledesma reported on the 30th (KST) that Atlético sporting director Mateu Alemany is actively searching for a player to take over Griezmann’s role. Alemany is said to be targeting someone who has already proven himself in Spain and is currently playing in France’s Ligue 1.
Atlético is expected to pursue a headline signing this summer after longtime talisman Griezmann completed his move to MLS side Orlando City. The club is now focused on finding a natural replacement.
The description — a player who made his mark in Spain and now plays in Ligue 1 — narrows the list, with one obvious candidate being Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain.
Lee made his professional debut with Valencia and moved to Mallorca in 2021, where he quickly emerged as the club’s standout player. He earned a move to PSG in 2023 and remains with the French side. Ledesma’s hint matches Lee’s profile closely.
Spanish outlets have consistently linked Lee to Atlético, with several naming him the club’s top summer target to succeed Griezmann.
That said, Olympique de Marseille’s Mason Greenwood also fits the profile. Once viewed as Manchester United’s next big talent, Greenwood’s career was derailed by criminal allegations from a former partner; he was later acquitted and returned to professional football. Public backlash prevented a return to Manchester United, he rebuilt his form on loan at Getafe, and now figures as a key attacking option for Marseille.
