Song Min-kyu signs for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Pohang Steelers' winger and reigning Young Player of the Year Song Min-kyu has made the switch from the Steel Yard to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in a move set to bolster the K League Champions hopes of retaining their title.

It was announced this afternoon that Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors had completed their pursuit of talented international youngster Song Min-kyu from Pohang Steelers. The 21-year-old joins the league Champions after two impressive seasons at the Steel Yard, collecting the Young Player of the Year trophy at the end of last season for his efforts.

Song Min-kyu through into Pohang Steeler's senior squad at the age of 18, making his debut from the bench in a goalless draw against Incheon United back in May 2018, before being handed another cameo appearance days later in an East Coast Derby defeat to Ulsan Hyundai.

Song wouldn't make his next appearance until the following season, however, featuring 27 times in the league and starting 20. Not only that, Song found the net on two occasions in addition to assisting three.

2020 would see Song's performances garner increased attention as another 27 appearances saw him rack up ten goals and six assists as he found himself key to helping propel his side into third and back into continental football.

Song Min-kyu receiving the 2020 Young Player of the Year award

Song's exploits also attracted the attention of Korean National Team coach Paulo Bento who would select Song for his senior international debut against Sri Lanka and Lebanon in World Cup Qualifying last month.

Song's performances were also enough to catch the eyes of Korea U23 manager Kim Hak-bum, who made a last-minute decision to include the player in his Olympic squad believing the youngster could prove pivotal to Korea's hopes of earning a medal and the subsequent military exemption that would come with it.

By joining Jeonbuk, Song follows a path increasingly well-trodden between the two clubs that has seen a number of players make the switch in recent seasons. By joining the Green Warriors, Song will link up with his former teammates in Stanislav Iljutcenko and Choi Young-jun, as well as Olympic teammates Song Beom-keun and Lee You-hyeon.

Song is expected to feature regularly from the off for Jeonbuk, not only due to his undeniable talent but also due to qualifying as an under-22 player for the next season and a half.

Jeonbuk Head coach Kim Sang-sik said, "Song Min-gyu's recruitment has also opened up the team's ability to utilize a player to attack on the flank". Song will vye for his place on the wings alongside Modou Barrow, Han Kyo-won and Moon Seong-min as he looks to aid his new club in the title race and earn his first piece of club silverware.

Song Min-kyu is expected to join up with his new side once his international duties at the Olympics are over and will be handed the number 21 shirt.