Transfer Profile: Kim Young-kwang

Top-quality goalkeepers have come and gone from the Korean football division over time. However, for over 18 years, Kim Young-kwang has remained at this high level, plying his trade in the K League. The 36-year-old has become a veteran within the top two divisions. A decorated player, who is most noticeably known for his time at Ulsan Hyundai, and more recently, Seoul E-Land, 'Glory' is now set on a new challenge in 2020, as he makes his move to Seongnam FC.
Photo Credit: (facebook.com/SFC.seongnam)

Natural Born Leader 

A goalkeeper who a team can rely on, he was known for his excellent shot-stopping abilities and leadership within the side. Kim Young-kwang is a player who can organise a backline and help younger players progress in the sport. The highlight of his career came in the 2012 AFC Champions League when he lifted the trophy with Ulsan Hyundai. The experienced keeper has also played in several youth tournaments with the Korean national team and was even part of the 2006 Korean World Cup squad.

In 2015, Seoul E-Land signed Glory on a five-year contract. The keeper was a marquee signing for the Leopards, and he has led and guided the team throughout his time in the Capital. He was the last of the Seoul originals who joined the club at their inception. Unfortunately for Kim Young-kwang, he could not collect any honours whilst playing for Seoul E-Land, which may be a reason for his departure.

It is well documented that the Seoul E-Land manager Chung Jung-young has completely changed the entire Seoul E-Land team, bringing in young players into the fold. Seoul have a new number one, Kim Hyeun-keun from Busan IPark. Glory is a passionate player though who loved to play for the Seoul E-Land badge and adored the fans who followed him around the country.

Glory spent five years between the sticks at Seoul E-Land

His finest hours in goal will be helping Seoul E-Land to a victory or even a draw. With Seoul's poor defence over the years, he has easily kept them in multiple games. One game which springs to mind is the game against Ansan Greeners in the 2019 K League 2 season. A saved penalty and an onslaught of attack saw Glory be the main reason behind a point saved.

Highlights of the game can be found here

Back To His Former Glory

It was announced in late March that Seongnam FC required the services of Glory for the upcoming 2020 season. You can't help but feel that it is a step up for the veteran, as Seongnam ply their trade in the K League 1. It will be interesting to see how he can influence the side in bettering themselves from the 2019 season. Seongnam will be looking to claw into the top six by the time of the season split.

Seongnam were looking for a replacement for Kim Dong-jun, who signed with Daejeon Hana Citizens this year. The 25-year-old keeper played 28 games for Seongnam and left a big gap in the team due to his departure. It will be interesting to see what role Kim Young-kwang will play in the Magpie's setup this year. He has been given the number 41 shirt number, with Jeon Jong-hyeok being number one. For Seoul, he missed no more than a handful of games for the Leopards. It looks more likely that he could be part of a rotation of keepers, to see if any younger goalkeeping talent can learn from his experience.

Seongnam have not been big spenders in this transfer window, and have let a lot of key players walk out of the team dressing room to other clubs. It may look more for a fight for survival for Seongnam this year. Hence, why Glory's presence as a leader in the locker room may be welcoming. No matter of the outcome, Glory will ease into his role in the team and will have the full support of the fans behind him.