Rumour Mill: Wookie to Turkey?

So, if you follow the Tavern twitter, you will have noticed that it’s that time again. The transfer window means rumours are picking up. Let’s quickly recap all the speculation, including a possible Kim Shin-wook move to Turkey and perhaps more action on Korean female players going abroad.

I have a hunch that someone will bring this up, so – I’m writing rumour, because that’s what Canadian English is. A mixture of American and British spelling for certain words. You never know which one to use. Frustrating.

Secondly – THESE ARE RUMOURS. Let’s understand something for a second here. There’s a strong possibility nothing below will actually happen. It’s just to speculate and perhaps start a conversation, get some comments in.

Kim Shinwook to Turkey?

As expected, the Kim Shinwook rumours are heating up. Despite Ulsan denying any talks with other clubs (possibly due to the fact that Kim isn’t exactly having a spectacular season with Ulsan Hyundai) the media is all over a rumour that the towering Korean center forward could be off to Trabzonspor, in Turkey. (Update: Trabzonspor now clames to have no knowledge whatsoever of the existence of Kim Shinwook. Whoops.) Shifty sources also suggest that Leicester City are keen on the signature of the 196cm tall international.

Yun Illok to MLS?

Reports are surfacing from Korean media and former-ESPN writer John Duerden that FC Seoul winger Yun Illok is unhappy at the club and wants a move out. These reports suggest he could be off to @atar or to Major League Soccer, at a yet to be named club.

Kim Bokyung eyeing England return

After going through relegation twice (with Cardiff City and with Wigan Athletic), it seemed the successor to Park Jisung is giving England one more go. Reports indicate that his agent is currently negotiating with 5 or 6 English clubs, just days after Kimbo was spotted in Suwon, training and attending a Suwon Bluewings match. Kim said that he would not rule out a K League return and that he hoped to “play once in the K League”. Perhaps this day will have to wait until later in his career, as it seems rather likely Kimbo will move to an English side.

Nam Taehee – China-bound?

Reports have linked Nam Taehee to a move out of the Middle East and his current club, Qatari side Lekhwiya, to a European team or the Chinese Super League. One report (which I can’t find now) suggests that Shanghai Shenhua are interested.

Another Korean youngster at Bayer Leverkusen?

First we got Son Heungmin, then we got Ryu Seungwoo, and now we have Choi Kyoungrok? The 20-year-old forward, who plied his trade for FC St. Pauli last season (and made limited appearances if I recall correctly) is garnering interest from Bayer Leverkusen, who may put in a bid according to German media.

Yoo Byungsoo back to the K League?

After being put on the free transfer list by his Russian club FC Rostov, 27 year-old forward Yoo Byungsoo is in negotiation with several K League clubs. Yoo scored 37 goals for Incheon United in 67 appearances before heading off to greener pastures at Al Hilal. In Saudi Arabia, he scored 16 goals in 44 caps, earning him a chance to play in the Russian Premier League. However, he fell out of favour last season after only scoring two goals in 21 appearances. A lot of clubs could use a reliable, seasoned striker in the K League right now, and it will be interesting to see which club earns his signature.

A 3rd woman playing abroad?

An interesting rumour – Cho Sohyun, the Korean women’s national team captain, is being linked to a move to either the Russian, English or American leagues. Cho impressed many at the Women’s World Cup with her timely tackles and usually reliable passing (though she can have her off moments, which are frustrating to watch) in midfield and sparked the comeback against Spain with her 52nd minute game-tying header in the final group game. Needless to say, a third Korean woman playing abroad would be beneficial to the KWNT and to her career.

That’s all from the rumour mill. What transfer do you see most likely to happen? Which players would benefit the most from a move abroad? Which players are better off staying put and avoid taking a chance with their career? Let us know in the comments below. We almost always answer, we always read them, and we always love conversation here at the Tavern. So put in a comment and jalgayo for now from the TSQ!

 

 

About Tim Lee 321 Articles
The maple syrup guzzling kimchijjigae craving Korean-Canadian, eh?

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