Busan keeps signing
Busan announced the signings of two more players. One expected, the other a bit out of left field. Who are they? Read on!
This one was expected. Stojanovic, who had previously played for geographical rivals Gyeongnam FC, joined to help boost the attack. The Serbian striker had, as mentioned, spent the last two seasons with Gyeongnam. Reportedly, the Changwon-based club sent him home midway through last season in order to avoid paying him bonuses for appearances (I believe). Shady stuff if true, but as many who have worked in Korea (especially in the English teaching sector) can tell you, not uncommon. Prior to Gyeongnam, Stojanovic had bounced around a number of Serbian teams and also spent a year in China.
I was able to see Stojanovic live a few times, when he was with Gyeongnam, and he should be a solid addition to the squad. He scored nine goals (someone check me on this) last season in the Challenge before being sent away, so he should in theory be another solid forward to rotate with Ko Gyeong-min.
This one caught me off guard. Busan used their AFC slot to sign veteran midfielder Watanabe Daigo from Japanese side Omiya Ardija. Ardija played in the J2 division last season, but they won the league and were promoted back to J1 for 2016. Watanabe has spent his last six seasons with Ardija, and before that was with Kyoto Purple Sanga (Kyoto Sanga) for several seasons. His time with Kyoto also overlaps with South Korea legend Park Ji-sung's time at the club (2003).
I didn't get to watch Omiya much (on the to do list), so I can't comment firsthand on what Watanabe will bring. I asked Omiya fan Steve Barme (@AgentOrange2009) on Twitter what he thought of Watanabe, and this is what he said.
Not hugely confidence inspiring, but hopefully he can do well in the K League. Choi Young-joon seems to see him as a potential replacement for Joo Se-jong due to his passing ability.
Suffice it to say, the team the is shaping up to look very different from the one last season. Hopefully Choi Young-joon is able to bring all the new pieces together into a nice little package!
Milos Stojanovic signs
Screenshot courtesy of busanipark.com |
I was able to see Stojanovic live a few times, when he was with Gyeongnam, and he should be a solid addition to the squad. He scored nine goals (someone check me on this) last season in the Challenge before being sent away, so he should in theory be another solid forward to rotate with Ko Gyeong-min.
Watanabe Daigo signs
Screenshot courtesy of busanipark.com |
I didn't get to watch Omiya much (on the to do list), so I can't comment firsthand on what Watanabe will bring. I asked Omiya fan Steve Barme (@AgentOrange2009) on Twitter what he thought of Watanabe, and this is what he said.
Suffice it to say, the team the is shaping up to look very different from the one last season. Hopefully Choi Young-joon is able to bring all the new pieces together into a nice little package!
What do you think of the Stojanovic and Watanabe signings? Will the two bring a boost to Busan next season and help them achieve promotion? Let us know in the comments.
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Follow Jae on Twitter: @ArmchairRegista
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