Kang In Lee move to Atlético hands Valencia CF solidarity windfall | OneFootball

Atlético de Madrid have signed Kang In Lee from PSG, a move that will also send money to Valencia CF via FIFA’s solidarity mechanism.

According to Superdeporte, the mechanism allocates five percent of the fee to training clubs for development between ages 12 and 23. Valencia, who developed the South Korean from ten to 20, will receive 3.5 percent and Mallorca 1.5, with Mestalla due €1.4 million.

Lee arrived at Paterna at ten, dazzled coaches, and progressed rapidly before ownership let him leave for free to Mallorca in summer 2021. That decision aimed to free a non-EU slot and fund an €8.5 million deal for Marcos André.

Five years on, Lee is among Atlético de Madrid’s marquee recruits as they seek a stronger tilt at trophies than last season. The move from PSG to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano also ensures funds flow back to Mestalla.

The payment will not soften the long-standing anger in Valencia over letting a gifted academy product go for nothing. Lee now links up with last season’s Champions League semi-finalists.

Source: Superdeporte