ABU DHABI (AFP) - South Korea defender Kim Min-jae's goal-scoring exploits at the Asian Cup have not gone unnoticed overseas, but teammates are urging him to follow Son Heung-min to England rather than go to China.
The 22-year-old centre-back, nicknamed "Monster", has burnished his reputation as one of the region's hottest prospects, scoring twice and proving formidable at the back as South Korea reached the quarter-finals.
Baek Sung-kwon, general manager of his current club Jeonbuk Motors, confirmed a bid from Premier League club Watford which is reported to be around US$8 million (S$10.9 million).
Beijing Guoan, who finished the 2018 Chinese Super League season in fourth, are also in the hunt but so far, Kim is keeping his cards close to his chest.
"Until now, I want to focus only on the Asian Cup," he said on Thursday (Jan 24).
"I just want to talk about getting good results and so, at the moment, I haven't got anything to say about (a transfer).
"I just want to focus on helping the team not concede any goals."
Kim is already an established international, but missed the 2018 World Cup through injury.
A move to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League proved the making of Kim's celebrated teammate Son, while Ki Sung-yueng and ex-Manchester United star Park Ji-sung have also prospered in England.
And while Kim may be staying silent, his Chinese-based teammates at the Asian Cup have been happy to give their advice - and they are urging him to take the plunge in England.
"If Min-jae has big ambitions then it will be better for him to play on a bigger stage," said his central defence partner Kim Young-gwon, who has won two Asian Champions League titles and six Chinese championships with China's Guangzhou Evergrande.
"Of course, China is good but I think it would be better for him to play on the bigger stage that is Europe."
Kwon Kyung-won, who also plays in the Chinese Super League for Tianjin, gave similar advice.
"I thought that he was going to China but then I heard good news and I hope he can make the better choice," said Kwon.
The players were repeating the sentiment expressed on social media back in Korea as fans urged Kim, whose nickname stems from his powerful physique, to choose England.
Since moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015, Son has turned into a global star, becoming the highest-scoring Asian player in Premier League history and also shining in the Champions League.
However, the Chinese Super League is also attractive to Asian players because of its high wages and proximity to home.
Football: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gives stars 'licence to express', says Dwight Yorke The key to the Red Devils' surge in form has been the caretaker's perceptive man-management skills, said former
Ole gives stars 'licence to express', says Yorke, Football
Liverpool's result at Bayern won't affect Premier League bid - Klopp 19.35 Mo Salah: "I'll be honest with you, the most prestigious competition for me is the Champions League.
Liverpool's win over Bayern Munich will HELP Premier League
NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom (AFP) - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer joined Matt Busby in the Manchester United record books on Wednesday (Jan 2) as his inspirational decision to bring on Romelu Lukaku as a
Solskjaer extends perfect record as United beat Newcastle
Clock ticking for City core, Football News & Top Stories
Man City beat Liverpool 2-1, cut lead to four points Sadio Mane hit post for Liverpool in the 18th minute Sergio Aguero put City ahead with fierce strike from tight angle Roberto Firmino headed Liverpool level in 64th City restored lead eight minutes later through Leroy Sane Both keepers busy in latter stages of fierce contest City host Wolves next, Liverpool […]
Man City end Liverpool's unbeaten run, cut lead to four
Casillas denies he has retired from football after receiving positive update from doctors following heart attack The 167-cap Spanish legend took to Twitter to confirm he intents to carry on
Iker Casillas heart attack latest: Wife gives update from
The Young Lions, together with players from the Home United Football Club will be here at the Home of the LIONS to engage fans and inspire the younger generations as they share their journey to becoming professional football players. Fans can also look forward to two Singapore Premier League matches to be held at the National
JBSA Randolph Youth Programs - govserv.org
Home / SPORTS / Klopp denies Liverpool's lighter schedule is title advantage Klopp denies Liverpool's lighter schedule is title advantage The Independent January 11, 2019 SPORTS Leave a comment
Klopp denies Liverpool's lighter schedule is title advantage
Gambling stakes -- Find potential answers to this crossword clue at crosswordnexus.com
high-stakes (adjective) definition and synonyms | Macmillan
Barcelona fans react to Lionel Messi's absence/Malcom's inclusion for El Clasico. — FC Barcelona with many excited by the prospect of Malcom being handed the chance to shine on the
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Malcom, Vinicius shine in Clasico
PSG captain Thiago Silva receives French citizenship
Football: Jimenez, Jota slay Man United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis WOLVERHAMPTON, England (REUTERS) - Wolverhampton Wanderers reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998 by beating last year's runners-up Manchester United 2-1 with a clinical second-half display in an intense atmosphere at their Molineux stadium on Saturday
Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar