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 has reached the semifinals of the FIFA U20 World Cup.
“Hwang In-taek (20) has ended his loan with Seoul Eland FC early and is leaving on a one-year loan to Estoril Praia in the Portuguese first division,” Suwon Samsung announced on the club’s social network (SNS) on June 25.
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.
Following in the footsteps of Kim Ji-soo, Bae Joon-ho (20‧Daejeon), who was the ace of the U20 national team, is also set to move to England.
Stoke City of the English Championship (second division) have had their eye on 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 to the club.
After making his professional debut last season, Bae has been one of the most promising youngsters in 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.
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. 온라인바카라
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), who was the backup goalkeeper for Kim Eun-jung-ho, is also getting a chance. In addition, Park Chang-woo of Jeonbuk Hyundai and Kang Sang-yoon, who was loaned to Busan I-Park from Jeonbuk Hyundai, are also improving with consistent appearances.