ABU DHABI (AFP) - South Korea defender Kim Min-jae's goal-scoring exploits at the Asian Cup have not gone unnoticed overseas, but teammates are urging him to follow Son Heung-min to England rather than go to China.
The 22-year-old centre-back, nicknamed "Monster", has burnished his reputation as one of the region's hottest prospects, scoring twice and proving formidable at the back as South Korea reached the quarter-finals.
Baek Sung-kwon, general manager of his current club Jeonbuk Motors, confirmed a bid from Premier League club Watford which is reported to be around US$8 million (S$10.9 million).
Beijing Guoan, who finished the 2018 Chinese Super League season in fourth, are also in the hunt but so far, Kim is keeping his cards close to his chest.
"Until now, I want to focus only on the Asian Cup," he said on Thursday (Jan 24).
"I just want to talk about getting good results and so, at the moment, I haven't got anything to say about (a transfer).
"I just want to focus on helping the team not concede any goals."
Kim is already an established international, but missed the 2018 World Cup through injury.
A move to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League proved the making of Kim's celebrated teammate Son, while Ki Sung-yueng and ex-Manchester United star Park Ji-sung have also prospered in England.
And while Kim may be staying silent, his Chinese-based teammates at the Asian Cup have been happy to give their advice - and they are urging him to take the plunge in England.
"If Min-jae has big ambitions then it will be better for him to play on a bigger stage," said his central defence partner Kim Young-gwon, who has won two Asian Champions League titles and six Chinese championships with China's Guangzhou Evergrande.
"Of course, China is good but I think it would be better for him to play on the bigger stage that is Europe."
Kwon Kyung-won, who also plays in the Chinese Super League for Tianjin, gave similar advice.
"I thought that he was going to China but then I heard good news and I hope he can make the better choice," said Kwon.
The players were repeating the sentiment expressed on social media back in Korea as fans urged Kim, whose nickname stems from his powerful physique, to choose England.
Since moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015, Son has turned into a global star, becoming the highest-scoring Asian player in Premier League history and also shining in the Champions League.
However, the Chinese Super League is also attractive to Asian players because of its high wages and proximity to home.
Calling on Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino to drop the 32-year-old, he added: "Tottenham's priority now is not about sentiment… All that matters is finishing in the top four, because getting Champions League football next season is so important for the club's future." However, former Spurs goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt has backed Lloris.
Spurs should drop Lloris for prime 4, says Jenas - Latest
Football: Leaders Liverpool stumble, Chelsea collapse. LONDON (REUTERS) - Premier League leaders Liverpool failed to fully capitalise on Manchester City's defeat the previous night as they were held 1-1 at home by Leicester City on Wednesday (Jan 30) while below them the top-four fight took another twist.
Leaders Liverpool stumble, Chelsea collapse - Reuters
Mourinho concedes Man Utd incapable of living with Liverpool Jose Mourinho hinted Manchester United's players are simply not good enough to compete with Liverpool after being brushed aside 3-1 at Anfield on Sunday by the Premier League leaders.
Mourinho concedes Man Utd incapable of living with Liverpool
Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona Description: The hosts came roaring back in the second half, twice forcing fine saves from Jan Oblak before Fernando Calero scored for the hosts from a 56th-minute corner.
Real Madrid, Atletico close in on Barcelona
Eden Hazard has paid tribute to his team-mate Cesc Fabregas, who is set to depart the club after four and a half seasons. The 31-year-old is closing in on a move to Monaco, where he will link up with manager Thierry Henry, a team-mate of Fabregas at Arsenal.
'I was lucky to play with him' - Hazard pays tribute to
We're not favourites against Germany: Van Dijk
Goal achieved despite everything going wrong BERN • Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri blamed his side's lack of focus after they fell to a surprise 2-1 Champions League loss to Young Boys in their final group game on Wednesday, but was glad to advance to the last 16 as group leaders.
Juventus achieved their objective, despite everything going
Improved Suarez ready to make impact: Emery LONDON • With Granit Xhaka facing a late fitness test and Lucas Torreira suspended, Unai Emery has challenged Denis Suarez to finally make an impact in Arsenal's bid to climb back into the Premier League's top four.
Transfer news live: Man City in talks with - football.london
England have moved up six places to sixth in the latest FIFA world rankings. The Three Lions' brilliant run to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia has seen the nation rise to their highest
FIFA World Rankings - Wikipedia
Holders U.S. shrug off weight of World Cup expectations FILE PHOTO: Julie Foudy of the USA (C) holds up the Women's World Cup trophy after the USA beat China in the World Cup final on penalty kicks.
Shrugs at JCPenney® | 25-40% off Cardigans
AD
After waiting so long for Game of Thrones to return, it doesn't seem possible that the series could already be almost over. How many episodes are left in the season to wrap everything up? Is
'Game of Thrones': Storylines That Need to Be Tied Up Before
0 comments:
Post a Comment