By Ben Somerford & Kevin Kim
Sunderland made a splash earlier this European summer when they signed young Korea international striker Ji Dong-Won straight out of the K-League from Chunnam Dragons and the forward is already said to have impressed in pre-season.
He is not the first Korean to make the move from the K-League to Europe, though, with FC Seoul forward Jung Jo-Gook doing the same six months earlier when he joined Auxerre. Of course, current Korea captain and forward Park Chu-Young took the same path in 2008 when he left Seoul for France to join Monaco.
Indeed, these examples show that there is an increasing number of talented strikers developing in Korea’s K-League, so with the transfer window still open, Goal.com introduces five striking prospects who can succeed in Europe.
Kim Shin-Wook (Ulsan Hyundai)
Age: 23
Position: Centre forward
Could be a perfect fit for: Blackburn Rovers
The young forward is Korea’s answer to Jan Koller, given his 196cm tall frame. ‘Wookie’ (far right), who began his career as a defender, played a key role in Ulsan’s recent K-League Cup success including an incredible four-goal haul in their semi-final victory over Gyeongnam FC. The Korea international’s game is built around his physical presence and heading prowess but he has added some skill to that and as a result he is enjoying a fine 2011 where he has scored six league goals along with his cup exploits.
Lee Seung-Yeoul (FC Seoul)
Position: Forward/Winger
Could be a perfect fit for: Feyenoord
The young Taeguek Warrior may be having a difficult 2011 season but, make no mistake, this is a player with enormous potential. Lee, who is regarded as one of Korea’s brightest prospects, won the 2008 K-League Rookie of the Year award. The 22-year-old attacker has plenty of speed, while he displays fine technique and is a cool finisher. Having been part of Korea’s squad at the 2010 World Cup he is developing into a top player and a move abroad beckons in the not-too-distant future.
Han Sang-Woon (Busan I’Park)
Age: 25
Position: Forward
Could be a perfect fit for: Bayer Leverkusen
The Busan forward has been dubbed ‘Han Persie’ in Korea and when you see the left-sided attacker in action it is obvious why. The 25-year-old remains uncapped at senior national level but he is a fine player who could do well in Europe, as he possesses all the qualities needed to play at a higher standard. The attacker can not only beat a defender and finish off a move clinically, but he has also got a vicious free-kick on him which further mirrors the Arsenal striker.
Lim Sang-Hyub (Busan I’Park)
Age: 23
Position: Attacking midfielder/ Forward
Could be a perfect fit for: Rennes
The young speedster is enjoying a breakthrough 2011 at Busan after struggling for game-time at Jeonbuk Motors in his early K-League years. Lim, who can play in midfield or up front, has found his feet recently scoring five goals for his club in the past two months. The 23-year-old spent time in Japan as a teenager at Ryutsu Keizai University where he perhaps learned his superb sense of positioning which serves him so well, always managing to be in the right spot at the right time.
Kang Su-Il (Jeju United)
Age: 24
Position: Attacking midfielder/Forward
Could be a perfect fit for: Valenciennes
Kang has come from left field in 2011 to offer plenty to Jeju. The 24-year-old has been around the scene for a few years, toiling away at Incheon United in their reserves side but now at Jeju he is beginning to realise his potential. Kang may have only registered one K-League goal this year, but his understanding and chemistry with his team-mates is obvious to see. With such an innate ability to work within a team, he could certainly do well in Europe.
Do you have another Korean striker to propose to European clubs? As ever, we’re open to your suggestions and musings in the comments section below.
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Who is the next Ji Dong-Won? – Five Korean strikers ready for Europe