The timing of Lee Kang-in (25) joining Atletico Madrid (ATM) following the completion of his transfer to the Spanish La Liga club has emerged as a point of interest for fans.

Spanish outlet Marca reported today that "Lee Kang-in has yet to join Atletico Madrid due to administrative procedures related to the military service exemption he received during the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games," adding that "his joining date will be determined once all administrative procedures are completed."

Atletico Madrid officially announced Lee's signing on the 25th.

Lee, whose contract runs until June 30, 2031, is known to have a transfer fee of 35 million euros (approx. 58.4 billion KRW) with an additional 5 million euros in options.

Even after the contract announcement, Lee has been focusing on conditioning at GS Champions Park, the training ground of K League 1 side FC Seoul, while awaiting his union with Atletico Madrid.

Lee watched the K League 1 Round 20 match between FC Seoul and Ulsan HD from the stands at Seoul World Cup Stadium the day before yesterday, and also greeted Seoul players in the mixed zone afterwards.

Regarding this, Marca explained, "Atletico Madrid fans are looking forward to seeing Lee, who will wear the number 7 shirt left vacant by Antoine Griezmann's move to Orlando City in Major League Soccer (MLS), under the guidance of manager Diego Simeone," while noting that "Lee must still remain in South Korea due to South Korean laws."

The outlet added, "Lee needs to complete some administrative procedures required for the arts and sports personnel conversion program," and "is awaiting final approval from the Military Manpower Administration for an extension of his overseas travel permit."

If the approval process goes quickly, Lee could join the team starting from their pre-season match against Manchester United (England) scheduled in Sweden on August 1 local time; otherwise, he is expected to join during the Coupang Play Series match against Manchester City (England) held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on August 9.

Marca reported, "Atletico Madrid is managing Lee's physical condition remotely to ensure there are no setbacks after he joins the team," and "he is training with a personal trainer under the club's guidelines at Seoul's training facilities."

(Photo: Capture of Atletico Madrid's SNS, Yonhap News)