News: Kim Bo-kyung Re-signs for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Creative midfielder and reigning K League 1 MVP Kim Bo-kyung has signed for former club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors from J.League side Kashiwa Reysol after an impressive 2019 season on loan at Ulsan Hyundai.



Champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have opted to re-sign former midfielder Kim Bo-kyung after a successful 2019 season on loan to Ulsan Hyundai that saw him lift the K League 1 MVP award for his efforts in helping driving the Horangi to the cusp of a first place.

2019 saw Kim make 31 league appearances, scoring 13 and assisting nine in a thrilling title campaign that came close to ending his new team’s domestic dominance. It was thought that Ulsan could make his spell permanent but have been outbid by Jeonbuk for the player’s signature.

The 30-year-old's eye-catching performances last season also drew the attention of national team coach Paulo Bento who recalled the player to the South Korean squad for a friendly against Georgia and also the recent EAFF E-1 Football Championships. Kim rarely featured in these matches, however.

Kim previously joined Jeonbuk in 2016, playing an integral role in the North Jeolla side’s successful AFC Champions League campaign alongside former attacking midfielder Lee Jae-sung in the centre of the park. During the season, Kim made 43 appearances and scored seven goals across all competitions.

Kim would depart from Jeonbuk for Kashiwa Reysol midway through the 2017 season, eventually helping his new side qualify for the 2018 Champions League before an unsuccessful domestic campaign saw the club relegated.

The midfielder has also had a long and varied career prior to his 2016 move, spending time in the United Kingdom, playing for Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic, in addition to stints in the J.League for sides Matsumoto Yamaga, Cerezo Osaka and Oita Trinita.

Upon re-signing for the North Jeolla club, Kim said "I am happy to be back at Jeonbuk. I haven't forgotten the enthusiastic support and passion of the Jeonbuk fans. I want that feeling of glory again, of being the best in Asia, and to share that feeling with the fans."

Kim Bo-kyung is Jeonbuk’s second official signing, following the signature of centre-back Oh ban-seok on the 1st January, in what is predicted to be a busy window for the champions ahead of their first game against J.League champions Yokohama F. Marino’s in February.