Transfer Profile: Kim Ho-nam

Kim Ho-nam is now a member of Incheon United.  He joined the club as part of an exchange which sent now former captain Nam Jun-jae to Jeju United.  The move is seen as a curious one to say the least as some onlookers consider it perplexing that both teams would agree to the transfer of players who were both deemed as important pieces for their respective sides.  Kim Ho-nam brings a wealth of experience and will be counted on to be an instant contributor if Incheon are to avoid the drop this season.  KLU's Branko Belan has a closer look at the former islander.

(Photo courtesy of Incheon United)


When Kim Ho-nam returned from Sangju Sangmu upon the completion of his military service last year, it was seen as a sign that there could be one last hope for Jeju to drastically turn their season around and scratch out a top six finish.  With three consecutive clean sheet victories over Jeonnam, Gyeongnam and FC Seoul, they did just that.  They then secured seven out of a possible nine points in their final three matches in the Championship Round drawing against Jeonbuk and defeating Ulsan and Suwon Bluewings to finish out the season.  Ever since coming to the club, he had been a fan favorite for his intensity and perseverance on the pitch.  Which is exactly why it is difficult to see him go.

When he first learned about the fact that he was making the move to Incheon, he felt a sense of regret.  "I loved Jeju, but now I am going to wear the uniform of Incheon United, and I will do my best for the club," he said shortly after arriving to his new club.

Incheon will be getting a proven player, as Kim has registered over 200 matches in his K League career.  He is particularly useful in the midfield, and can play anywhere in the middle of the park.  He was even used as a fullback while with Jeju on a few occasions.

Incheon should not, however, count on him to be a goal scorer.  He is more of a provider for his teammates, and is known as a player with quick feet who links well when pushing forward.

Kim's professional career began in 2010 as a member of Sagan Tosu when they were in J. League 2.  He didn't stay long, however, and moved back home to become one of the original members of Gwangju FC's first squad when they entered the K League in 2011.  He went on to be named to the K League Challenge Best 11 in 2014.

When he moved to Jeju in 2016, the timing could not have been more perfect.  Jeju enjoyed their best season since 2011, finishing third, and played some of the most attractive football in the league.  Despite mostly coming on as a substitute, he contributed six goals and two assists that season, with perhaps his best performance coming in a 4-3 away win against FC Seoul in June of that year where he scored once and added both assists.

He is optimistic about what the team can achieve and sees good things ahead for himself as well.

"It is an honor to join Incheon.  They were always a difficult team to play against.  I will do my best to become part of the team and focus on the goal of avoiding relegation.  It has never happened with this team before, and I want to keep that record intact," he said.

There is no questioning his ability.  He will have some very good pieces around him, and should be able to snap out of his offensive funk, which has seen him record only one assist this season.

He has high expectations of himself, and believes that it will be a factor in him being accepted by the fans.  He also understands that the team is much more important than any individual player and will look to be a big part of building with the team for the rest of the season.

Kim is aware of how much passion Incheon fans have for their team.

"Now that I have come to this team, I really hope that the fans will call out my name and cheer for me.  It will be a great strength for me if the fans cheefully support me."

He has already passed his medical and has a contract with the club for the next eighteen months.  Financial terms were not disclosed.