South Korean players have been active in European soccer this summer. Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), the core of the Korean national team, have joined big clubs, while Yang Hyun-joon and Kwon Hyuk-gyu, who have already shown their competitiveness in the K League, have moved to Celtic (Scotland).
In addition, Korean soccer’s up-and-comers are also knocking on the door of Europe. Kim Eun-joong-ho reached the semifinals of the FIFA U20 World Cup.
“Hwang In-taek (20) has terminated his loan with Seoul Eland FC early and is going on a one-year loan to Estoril Praia in the Portuguese first division,” Suwon Samsung announced on the club’s social networking site.
This means that three of the players who participated in the U20 World Cup in Argentina in June will have a chance to play in Europe this summer.
First up was Kim Ji-Soo (19, Brentford). Already on the radar of European clubs before the tournament began, Kim started all seven of South Korea’s games at the U20 World Cup and played a key role as a starting defender, helping South Korea reach the semifinals. Kim was especially praised for his composure in the back and his passing with both feet.
After finalizing a deal with Brentford in June, Kim has been preparing for the season with his new team since pre-season.
In addition to Kim, Bae Joon-ho (20‧Daejeon), who was an ace for the U20 national team, is also expected to make the move to England.
Stoke City of the English Championship (second division) had been eyeing Bae for some time, and after watching his performance at the U20 World Cup, they decided to pursue him in earnest. According to soccer insiders, Stoke offered £2 million (approximately $3.3 billion) to Daejeon Hana Citizen to bring Bae Jun-ho to the club.
Bae, who made his professional debut last season, has been one of the most promising newcomers to the K League this season, scoring two goals in 16 appearances in K League 1.
Bae Jun-ho’s skills have been on display even while wearing the Taeguk mark. Despite playing in the U20 World Cup with an injury, Bae caught the attention of FIFA with his outstanding performance. He also received praise from his teammates after the 1-2 semifinal loss to Italy. 카지노사이트
Big European clubs were also interested in Bae, with Stoke being the most aggressive in their pursuit.
Hwang In-taek, who can play both center and left back, also has a chance to go to Europe. Hwang In-taek has yet to play in the K League since joining Suwon last year.
However, he has caught the eye with his performances for the U20 national team. Trusted by head coach Kim Eun-joong, Hwang In-taek was given a steady stream of opportunities from friendlies to the AFC Asian Cup to the U20 World Cup, where he showed his quality whether starting or coming off the bench, playing in the center or on the flanks.
Hwang’s loan deal includes a full transfer clause, so if he continues to perform well, he could stay in Portugal for longer than a year.
The U20 national team is also getting opportunities in the K League.
Lee Seung-won (Gangwon), who won the Bronze Ball at the U20 World Cup with two goals and four assists, is helping Gangwon in their race to stay up. Kim Jun-hong (Gimcheon), a former backup goalkeeper for Kim Eun-jung-ho, is also in the mix.
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