Jeju United Transfer Window Update

(Jeju's New Signing: Kim Ho Nam - Picture from jeju-united.com)

With the K League transfer window having been open for almost two weeks, Jeju United's team for next season is starting to take shape.  The early loss of arguably their two best players has been offset by a couple of interesting signings who everyone will be hoping can fill the missing players’ shoes.



The transfers out of the squad of both Lopes and Yoon Bit Garam was a huge loss. Lopes was both our highest assister and goal scorer while Yoon in midfield was central to a lot of our play. The other big loss was Jung Da Hwon who has gone on his military service. He was our best full back and was strong in both defence and attack. Despite the loss of these three players we have so far kept hold of the rest of last season’s starters so should be in a good position to build for next year.

In terms of building for next year Jeju have certainly been busy. The most exciting player is probably right winger Kim Ho Nam from Gwangju. He was their best attacking player last year and despite an injury hit season he scored a few goals. I have high hopes for him playing in a more attacking team like Jeju.

Jeju have also added Brazilians Marcelo Toscano and Moises Oliveira Brito to their attack. The most exciting player here is Toscano who had a good season for America Mineiro last year and scored a few goals as they won promotion to the top league in Brazil.

A couple of other notable attacking additions from the K League are Kwon Yong Hyun from FC Suwon and Ahn Hyun Beom from Ulsan. Kwon was important for Suwon in their promotion run last year having played in 40 games so could be a good addition if he makes the step up. Ahn Hyun Beom already has K League experience and will be fighting for a spot on the wing after a decent season last year.

Coming in to strengthen the midfield is Korean Olympic National Team representative Lee Chang Min. He spent last season at Jeonnam Dragons and had a fairly decent year making 21 appearances, a good tally for such a young player.

Defensive cover comes in the form of Lee Gwang Seon (CB from Fukuoka) and Chung Woon (Full back from RNK split). Coming in at 193cm and 88kg Lee is certainly a big signing and his form helped Fukuoka win promotion from the J2 and have one of the best defences in the league.
Chung Woon at full back will hope to fight for the place left open by Jung Da Hwon.

So far so good then with Jeju's new signings. The obvious disappointment at losing Yoon Bit Garam and Lopes has been steadied somewhat with a couple of good buys especially in attack where if the new players settle in I think we look fairly strong. Keeping the majority of our defence has been a big positive and assuming someone can step into Jung’s RB position we should be decent at the back too.

The only place that I think still needs work is the midfield. Yoon Bit Garam was central to much of Jeju's play over the last couple of years and while Lee Chang Min looks promising another central midfielder with a bit more experience would be more than welcome.