Transfer Talk: Pohang Steelers

With Pohang Steelers currently in ninth position in the K League 1 table, on a three-game barren spell in front of goal, and seemingly sliding towards an unheralded third successive season in the relegation group - the importance of this season's Summer Transfer Window is massive. 

Which player(s) signed in the Winter Transfer Window has performed best for your team this season?

Out of the winter signings undoubtedly the best performing player has been Australian central midfielder Connor Chapman. He has been a mainstay at the base of Pohang's most used 4-3-3 formation. In the team to shield the sometimes vulnerable back four, Connor has excelled in the art of breaking up opposition attacks and has even contributed at the other end with a number of assists. Signed from K League 1 side Incheon United after a successful debut season in the league, Chapman has continued impressing at his new club. Further evidence of his importance to the team is that when absent the east coast side has succumbed to 2-0 defeats on both occasions, at home to Sangju Sangmu and the recent away defeat to Gyeongnam FC

Which position (if any) do you think your team needs to target most this transfer window?

The recent return of U-20 and Asian Games squad member Lee Jin-hyun from a loan spell at Austria Wien has bolstered the Steelers midfield. The reported arrival of Brazilian right back Alemao on loan from Internacional SC will act as a direct replacement to Kwon Wan-kyu who has joined Sangju Sangmu to fulfil his military duty.  This shows that the club has been active in plugging the gaps that need to be in order to prevent a further slide down the table. The one gaping hole that remains after these signings is in the attack.

Is there a player within K-League you'd like to see your team sign? An international player?

The most obvious target would be the return of last season's top scorer Yang Dong-hyun who has failed to impress with J League's Cerezo Osaka, netting just the once in 17 appearances. A reunion on both sides could be beneficial. Another option could be similar to the move Daegu FC's made in recruiting Thai side Buriram United's Brazilian striker Edgar. Equally impressive during the AFC campaign was Edgar's former teammate and countryman, Diogo. The linkup play between the two helped foil K League leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the home leg of the Round of 16 clash. A similar connection with Gamalho could see the Steelers turn their season around. One concern would be getting around the foreign player cap if the rumoured move for full-back Alemao were to go through. 

Is there someone on the team you'd like to see loaned out or sold?

The best solution to this, but probably the most cruel, would be to move on central defender Alemao, who hasn't impressed since signing in the winter. He certainly looks the part physically, standing at almost two metres tall. Performances, however, have been poor and he has been culpable for a number of goals conceded in the team's current run of bad form. The cut-throat nature of the potential transfer wouldn't be a great indictment for the club, but at least the club wouldn't have to change the name of any Alemao merchandise. 

Despite a promising start, including a brace on his debut, winter signing Gamalho hasn't really cut the mustard. He has netted five times including twice from the penalty spot although he has also missed twice.  The Brazilian has shown plenty of spirit, but he along with other winter signings, who were brought in to replace the 30-odd goals that left the team in the same window, haven't been able to score enough to push Pohang into the top-half of the table. Some of these signings, like fellow Brazilian Getterson, have even left the club. Gamalho needs help in this department. Further evidence of the dire need for support in the attacking department is that since returning from the World Cup break Pohang have failed to score in all three games.