Transfer Talk: Suwon Bluewings

Finding themselves currently sitting second in the K League 1 table and with a place in the ACL quarter finals assured, Suwon could well look back on the first half of their season as a success. But, if they are to truly kick on and challenge for a trophy this season then they will need to do some wise business in this July transfer window.



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

Suwon went on a winter spending spree over January and picked up some notable signings. The big move was undoubtedly that of FC Seoul legend Dejan Damjanovic, but Suwon also made a number of smaller, but notable signings. However, a number of those signings (Lim Sang-hyub, Waguininho and Christovam) have failed to live up to the potential that was expected of them. But the addition of Dejan and Lee Ki-je to the squad has really worked well.

Lee Ki-je, in particular, has had a stand out season at left wing-back, and with three goals and five assists to his name already he is in contention to be Suwon's player of the year. And although Dejan may not have returned as many goals as he did in an FC Seoul shirt, his all round contribution to the team has improved as the season has progressed. Moreover, the Montenegrin's flurry of goals in the ACL (6 in total) have propelled Suwon to an unlikely quarter final slot.

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

Christovam's (not yet officially confirmed) departure leaves the Suwon squad looking very light when it comes to right sided players. However, Choi Seung-geon previously played at right-back during his time in Japan and could be asked to fill in there if needed. Also, due to Kim Gun-hee's move to Sangju Sangmu, Suwon are now left with only two recognized strikers in their squad. Park Ki-dong showed last season that he can be relied upon to do a job in that role, but huge question marks hang over his fitness as the towering striker has been injured for the entirety of the season so far.

However, given that Suwon have found it quite tough to create clear chances on a regular basis this year, it may be wise for Seo Jung-won to target a creative midfielder in this window. Kim Jong-woo has been burdened with being the sole midfield creator for Suwon this season, and whilst he is a talented player, the burden has been too much for him to shoulder alone. There have been rumors that former Bundesliga star, Alexander Baumjohann is in talks with Suwon and if he does make his way to Korea his experience and quality would surely improve a Suwon team that sometimes finds it difficult to break opponents down.

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

It may be implausible, given that Jeonbuk are competing to win three trophies (K League 1, ACL and FA Cup), but it may not be fully beyond the realms of possibility for Suwon to attain Thiago Alves from the current table toppers. The Brazilian has only seen limited game time since he returned to Korea and often finds himself as a third choice option in attack for Jeonbuk. And whilst the winger has struggled to produce his best football in a green shirt, he still undoubtedly has the class and skill needed to break down tough defences. If Suwon could sign a name such as his in this window it would not only improve their squad but would also lay down a real marker that they are prepared to fully challenge for a trophy.

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

After such a successful debut season in 2017, Yoo Ju-an had been tipped to play a more prominent role for Suwon this year. However, the emergence of Jeon Se-jin and the goal scoring form of Kim Gun-hee has limited the youngster to just only 171 minutes of football. The young forward has unbelievable potential and already proved last season that he has what it takes to succeed at this level. A loan deal, until the end of the season, to a K League 2 team, that is challenging for promotion, may suit all the parties concerned and would improve a player who may well be needed to play significant minutes next season.