The key trio of Korea's soccer - Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur), Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich), and Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain) - find themselves at the center of transfer rumors. The possibility of all three donning new uniforms this summer transfer window is becoming increasingly realistic.
Son Heung-min is a markedly different figure than he was two years ago. When the transfer rumors to the Saudi Arabia Professional League emerged last summer, he remarked, "I remember Ki Sung-yueng saying that if you are the captain of Korea, you wouldn’t go to the Chinese League. I believe it’s now more important to play in a league I enjoy rather than for money" and firmly drew the line. However, the recent atmosphere has changed.
According to British outlets 'TBR Football' and 'Football London', Son Heung-min has recently been confirmed to have contacted Saudi clubs. In a meeting after the Kuwait match on the 10th at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Son himself mentioned, "Given that I have a contract, I think it’s best to wait. I am curious too," suggesting he may be open to a transfer.
Alasdair Gold, the Tottenham correspondent for Football London, reported, "Son Heung-min is more open to a transfer than ever." After achieving his long-awaited goal of winning the UEFA Europa League, the question of whether he will pursue a new career challenge is a hot topic.
The possibility of a transfer for Kim Min-jae to Saudi Arabia has also surged. French outlet 'Foot Mercato' reported, "Al Nassr is making significant progress in negotiations to sign Kim Min-jae. The player is also viewing a new challenge positively."
Struggling to secure a spot at Bayern Munich, Kim Min-jae has battled injuries throughout the season, but his position has further narrowed with the signing of Jonathan Tah at the season's end. While variables remain if he insists on staying in Europe, there is a strong possibility he may be swayed by Al Nassr’s aggressive offer.
The Saudi league has already welcomed a large number of European stars. Should Kim Min-jae join, he is expected to receive top-tier treatment in the Saudi league as a Korean player.
Lee Kang-in's transfer rumors have also intensified. French outlet 'L'Équipe' stated, "Lee Kang-in and Gonzalo Ramos could leave PSG, and the club plans to allow the transfers." SSC Napoli is preparing to sell Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and is considering Lee Kang-in as a replacement.
After the Kuwait match on the 10th, Lee Kang-in said, "I don’t know what will happen in the future," adding, "Even if I want to give hints, the season isn’t over yet, and I haven’t discussed anything with the club," displaying a cautious attitude.
Currently, Napoli is pursuing various methods of acquisition, including a loan with a buyout option. The expected transfer fee is reported to be 40 million euros (about 62.5 billion won).
Thus, all three key resources of the Korea national team have emerged as focal points in the transfer market. Son Heung-min was the first to open the door to the possibility of moving to Saudi Arabia, while Kim Min-jae appears close to making a move. Lee Kang-in is actively seeking a new home after being pushed to the bench at PSG.
Especially at a time when preparations for the North and Central America World Cup a year from now must be considered, their future decisions are expected to significantly impact not only their individual careers but also the entire national team. The decisions of Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in are becoming the primary concern for Korean fans this summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, on the 10th, Hwang Hee-chan spoke with reporters at the Seoul World Cup Stadium and noted, "There are strong competitors in my position, and I have been faced with injuries and various circumstances. It seems important to maximize those aspects. Whether I leave Wolverhampton or not, the most important thing is to develop my personal performance."
He added, "I want to play a lot. I have had moments where I performed well, and the desire to play is naturally strong. If I can stay at Wolverhampton and play, that is certainly the priority, but if not, I am considering an environment where I can play," implying a transfer.
[OSEN]