Category Archives: Scouting

Scouting reports on the best, up and coming talent around.

Allan: Have Liverpool stumbled upon a diamond in the young Brazilian?

  By O-Posts Team | July 17, 2024 - 13:37 | , , , ,
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Allan (Left)

On the face of it, Liverpool FC’s participation in Malaysia’s Frenz International Cup earlier this year was not a resounding success. Their Under-18 side, proclaimed pre-tournament as ‘undoubtedly the team to beat’ by the competition website, won an easy group but were dumped out in the quarter final by Valencia.

However, as well as valuable experience for youth team players, these tournaments also provide a golden opportunity for clubs to uncover unknown stars in the making from around the world, and in this case Liverpool believe they have stumbled upon a diamond. A diamond in the shape of 18-year-old Allan Rodrigues de Souza, who starred in the Internacional side that swept all before them in South East Asia as they scored 20 goals in six games, culminating in a 3-2 final victory against Argentinian outfit Estudiantes.

From his role in central midfield, left-footed Allan scored two of those twenty. The first was a free kick curled into the top corner against Valencia, while the second was a magnificent 40-yard lob of the Porto goalkeeper in the semi final. The Scouse scouts in attendance are sure to have noted his technical excellence, precise long passing, strong tackling and ability to read the game.

Allan’s deliveries from corners and free kicks were also top notch (a fact that will inevitably lead eventually to his left foot being dubbed a wand in the English press), an area in which some observers believe Liverpool are currently lacking. He would most likely be employed at Anfield as a defensive midfielder or perhaps slightly further forward, spraying passes from the centre of the park, should formation allow.

As Inter have progressed to this year’s Copa Libertadores semi finals, boss Diego Aguirre has implemented a rotation policy in which the club’s youth teamers have seen plenty of first team action. Allan, however, is not among those to have been deemed ready and is yet to have made his professional debut. As such, Liverpool’s interest was a shock for Brazilian observers, most of whom had never heard of the youngster.

His youth, lack of experience and the potential difficulties of adapting to life in England make him a risky signing, however with an initial fee agreed upon of just £500,000, and further cash only due as a percentage of any future sale, the deal is a risk the Anfield club can easily afford to take.

Allan will, at least, have compatriots Lucas Leiva, Philippe Coutinho and fellow new boy Roberto Firmino to keep him company and help him settle in to life on Merseyside, although he will certainly not be joining them in the first team squad just yet.

 

Written by Calum Leahy

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Jong Tae-Se: The North Korean star dubbed the “People’s Rooney”

  By O-Posts Team | July 16, 2024 - 19:21 | , , , ,
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North Korean striker Jong Tae-Se has returned to Japan, transferring from Suwon Bluewings to J-League side Shimizu S-Pulse. Jong Tae-Se is well known around the world due to his performances in the 2010 World Cup where he was dubbed ‘The People’s Rooney”.

He personally likens his style of play to ex-Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and, despite scoring six goals in the first half of this season, is a striker who can hold-up the ball and bring others into play, rather than an out-and-out goal-scorer.

While there was a lot of interest in the North Korean team in the build up to the 2010 World Cup, Jong Tae-Se’s story was perhaps the most surprising. Born in Japan to Korean parents, Jong was educated in a school run for North Koreans living in Japan.

He holds a South Korean passport, so had to get special permission from Fifa to play for North Korea. At that time he was playing for Kawasaki Frontale in the J-League, but he soon got a chance to prove himself in Europe, moving to Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga, he scored fifteen goals in forty-two games for Bochum before moving to FC. Koln.

His next transfer was possibly the most surprising. After a disappointing spell at FC Koln he moved to South Korean club Suwon Bluewings at the start of the 2013 season. Jong faced several difficulties in South Korea, from away fans calling him ‘bbalgaengi’ (a red), to right-wing groups trying to get him arrested for supporting North Korea, an offense that can lead to jail-time in the South.

Nevertheless he was a consistently good performer for Suwon, and has been having a good season so far. There may be several reasons for his return to Japan, but Jong has said that Suwon haven’t offered him a new contract, and as allegedly he is one of their higher-earners, Suwon may be looking to offload him due to their current attempts to reduce their wage bill.

Shimizu S-Pulse, currently languishing at the bottom of the J-League, will be hoping that Jong Tae-Se can save their season in his second spell in Japan.

 

Written by Steven Price

Check out more of his work on everything South Korean football at the excellent K-League Footy

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Munir El-Haddadi: The promising Barca prospect linked with Arsenal and Chelsea

  By O-Posts Team | July 16, 2024 - 13:58 | , , , , , , ,
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For the second summer in succession, one of Barcelona’s most promising young talents is being linked with a move away from the club. If reports are to be believed, Munir El-Haddadi is a target for many top European clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea with the Gunners supposedly in pole position for his signature.

Many football fans may not be too familiar with the player known simply as Munir; after all, he only made his debut for the Blaugrana B team in March 2014 and has only made ten senior league appearances since then. So what is all the fuss about? Why are so many teams interested in the youngster and would the Catalonians be willing to sell?

Munir was born to parents of Moroccan origin and raised in a small town northwest of the Spanish capital. As a child, his favourite team was Real Madrid. His prolific goal scoring record as a youngster eventually secured him a place in the youth ranks of Atletico Madrid at which point he ditched any previous allegiances. Aged just 15, he was sent on loan to CF Rayo Majadahonda where he bagged an incredible 30 goals in 29 matches in the Tercera División.

His record in the Spanish fourth tier drew attention from his boyhood team across the city, but it was Barcelona who made the only firm approach for his services. After just a year at Atletico, Munir was on the books at the Catalan club and made his debut at youth level.

His style of play and ability to score goals soon attracted lazy comparisons to other top players including Lionel Messi. At UEFA youth league level, Munir averaged a goal a game for Barca and was voted the outstanding player in 2013-14. During a game against Benfica in July 2014, he became a social media hit after scoring from the halfway line.

His performances prompted new coach Luis Enrique to give the youngster first team opportunities during the 2014-15 season. He made an instant impact by scoring on his debut in the 3-0 win against Elche at the Camp Nou and made a further nine appearances in the league. He also featured six times in the Copa del Rey and Champions League campaigns.

With Pedro’s future in doubt, it seems crazy that the Catalan club would sell a player with such talent and potential. Any new players that Luis Enrique recruits this summer will not be able to play until January and as a result, Munir will be a valuable asset to the squad in the coming months. The coach has also expressed his intention to continue developing the player so if he does move, a loan would be most likely.

In the unlikely event that a permanent transfer does occur, Arsenal would be the most likely destination. Arsene Wenger has previously taken Barca youth players Jon Toral and Hector Bellerin to the Emirates and of course Cesc Fabregas made the same move eleven years ago.

The one thing that is certain is that Munir has a big future ahead of him and wherever he ends up; he is set to be a star.

 

Written by Neil Morris

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Jordy Clasie: Is the Feyenoord skipper a worthy successor to Schneiderlin?

  By O-Posts Team | July 14, 2024 - 18:45 | , , , , , , , ,
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As you may have read in my last few articles, the majority which have been to discuss whether the next Eredivisie starlet was ready for the Premier League and today is another.

But this is different, this one has legs as Southampton have already contacted Feyenoord for their star’s services, which is why I am seeking to discuss if this young kid from Holland is ready to replace the departed Morgan Schneiderlin.

First, let’s have a look at who Jordy Clasie is and his rise to stardom in Rotterdam.

 

Club career

Clasie grew up in Haarlem, a small town not so far away from Amsterdam.

He was given his first football boots by Willem Van Hanegem, a former Dutch international himself who was a friend of his father.

At 9 years of age, he was discovered by Feyenoord and accepted the offer to join their youth system.

It was not smooth sailing for the young Jordy at the start as constant travelling via trains was taking its toll, plus he was getting criticized on a regular basis by then head of youth development: Henk Van Stee, who would regularly call him too small and urge him to leave the club.

But then he left for Shakhtar Donetsk and his successor, Stanley Brard, did have confidence in Clasie, who knows what would have happened if he didn’t.

Clasie was loaned out to Excelsior in 2010 making his debut vs Feyenoord of all clubs a week later and had his first competitive goal ever scoring away at NEC in Nijmegen. After a successful loan period, he returned to Feyenoord and started most of the preseason before making his official debut against, coincidentally, Excelsior.

He quickly grew to be a fan favorite and scored his first goal for Feyenoord against Groningen. Clasie finished the season only missing one game and ended up winning the Young Player of the Season award, which was given to him by his old friend Willem Van Hanegem.

And guess who was the manager who gave him his breakthrough? Ronald Koeman, the current Southampton manager.

Things moved quickly for Clasie the next season, where he was given the number 6 and was made reserve captain behind Stefan De Vrij amidst rumors of interest from major clubs like AC Milan, Roma, Juventus, and Tottenham Hotspur. However, Clasie rejected these clubs to stay a few more seasons at his beloved Feyenoord.

He is currently Feyenoord’s captain, but the club’s failure to win any trophies has surely shortened Clasie’s patience with his beloved side and their ambitions.

 

International career

Clasie was first called up to the “Jong Oranje”, or the Dutch U-21s, in December 2010.

He also was called up for the 2013 U-21 Euro Championship in Israel, where he was used mainly as a substitute.

On the 1st of August 2012, he was picked by Louis Van Gaal for the Dutch side for the friendly vs Belgium. He wouldn’t wait long to grab his first cap, which he managed to do so on the 7th of September 2012 vs Turkey at the Amsterdam Arena.

He was then picked for the World Cup two years later and was praised for his performance in the third-place play-off vs Brazil, which Holland won comfortably 3-0.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses

Well, Jordy Clasie is your typical 21st-century defensive midfielder. He is small in stature, just like Javier Mascherano or Nigel De jong, but because of his fine tackling ability this does not work against him.

He is a very sound passer of the ball, but likes to keep the game simple and does not look for a 50 yard pass or a through ball. He is also not attack-minded as his low goalscoring rate proves and is very assured and calm when the ball is at his feet.

 

Is he the ideal target for Southampton?

In my opinion? Yes.

Here are the reasons why:

  1. Clasie is at his best when he has a talented 10 in front of him, who he can give the ball to after winning it. He has not had this at Feyenoord, but I think with a player like Dusan Tadic in front of him this would prove beneficial for both player.
  1. The confidence factor, which has been witnessed with Ronald Koeman- the man who gave Clasie his big break. Because of this, Clasie will know that at Southampton he has a manager who has the utmost confidence in him and that can help the player immensely.

Of course there are things that could go wrong as he could struggle with the pace of the Premier League as Feyenoord at a very slow tempo or he could up short physically, but I do not see this happening.

In conclusion, to all Southampton fans: this could be a signing to be excited about.

 

Written by Jamie De Geir

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Lee Seung-Woo: Will the Barca prodigy be the next Messi or the next Freddy Adu?

  By O-Posts Team | July 14, 2024 - 15:21 | , , , , , , ,
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In early July, Lee Seung-Woo was promoted to Barcelona’s B-side, along with his compatriot Paik Seung-Ho.

Dubbed ‘The Korean Messi’, Lee has the footballing hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders, as they hope that he can grow up to be the world-class creative talent that Korea has so far struggled to produce.

Lee’s transfer to Barcelona in 2011 broke FIFA rules, and was one of the reasons behind Barcelona’s recent transfer embargo. Unfortunately for Lee, it has also meant that he is banned from playing competitively for Barcelona until his eighteenth birthday in January 2016.

He would however be able to play competitively if he were sold to a different club, leading to speculation in the past that he might join Liverpool, Chelsea, or even Barca’s biggest rivals Real Madrid, although a transfer now looks unlikely.

Despite not being able to play competitively for his club, he has been able to play for his country, representing them at various youth levels.

His most impressive performance was at the AFC Under-16 championships in Thailand where he scored five goals, including one where he dribbled the ball half the length of the pitch before scoring against Japan, and won player-of-the-tournament as South Korea reached the final where they lost to North Korea.

He made his debut for the Under-18’s in the Suwon JS Cup in May this year. However, he was unable to have as much of an impact at this level than he has at previous levels, and it was his Barcelona team-mate Paik Seung-Ho who impressed the critics with his passing ability instead.

Lee’s quiet performance suggests that he still has a long way to go before he is ready for the Barcelona first team, and his ban on playing competitively may slow down his progress.

But while some footballing prodigies such as Freddy Adu never quite make it at the highest level, footballing experts generally agree that Lee Seung-Woo has the potential to become a world-class player in the future.

 

Written by Steven Price

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Tobias Svendsen: Molde’s wonderkid is a Star in the Making

  By O-Posts Team | July 12, 2024 - 17:11 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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At 14, Tobias Svendsen had to get permission by the Norwegian FA to appear in a third tier game for Molde’s reserve team. Just a year later, he got his debut for the reigning champions in the cup.

The now 15-year-old midfielder is living in the shadow of his 17-year-old brother Sander Svendsen who has established himself in the first team, but Tobias is following not far behind.

 

QUICK FACTS:


Name: Tobias Svendsen
Date of birth: 31.08.2024 – Age: 15
Position: Midfielder
Club: Molde FK

 

Key strengths

His low centre of gravity, exquisite first touch, great understanding of the game and quick feet perfectly fits the bill for a modern central midfielder. He is very capable in small spaces, extremely difficult to get the ball off and is considered to be an aggressive midfielder with decent tackling abilities in defensive positions.

Molde manager Tor Ole Skullerud has on multiple occasions praised Tobias but he is keen to point out that they will not rush his development, especially as he is so young and has more physical growth to do.

“He has all the attributes to become a first team regular here at Molde. He is far ahead of his age in every way. It is still impossible to predict how far he will reach. Tobias has great potential but first he must get peace and quiet to develop,” Skullerud said to Norwegian press.

 

Stats

After Svendsen appeared in the 4-2 win against Rosenborg 2 at the third tier of Norwegian football over a year ago, he got a few appearances during the first team’s pre-season last winter. Then back in April 2015 he was handed his debut for the first team in the first round of the cup, a match Molde in the end won 2-0.

Considered an exceptional talent Svendsen was scouted at the age of 11 by Ajax. In fact, it was the younger of the Svendsen brothers that got the pair on the Dutch club’s radar when he was just 11, which two years later lead to his first of many trips to Amsterdam to train with the club.

For the time being Tobias is only thinking about becoming a better footballer, despite interest from Ajax. Claiming he is ‘too young’ to go professional abroad, Tobias told Norwegian press that it would be difficult to turn down an offer from Ajax ‘in a couple of years’.

“I have been abroad and seen how professional everything is, so yes, it is really tempting. I am too young to do that now, but of course it is a dream. If I receive an offer when I am 17 I would probably accept,” he said.

 

Written by Lars H. Thomesen

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Kerem Bulut: Australia’s highly exciting prospect with a fiery temperament

  By O-Posts Team | July 12, 2024 - 15:11 | , , , ,
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Name: Kerem Bulut

Position: Striker

Age: 23

Country: Australia

Club: Iraklis

 

A prodigious striker with a fiery temperament and a reputation for embroiling himself in controversy, Kerem Bulut is one of Australia’s most exciting and fascinating young footballers.

Bulut first made a name for himself at the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship in China, where the seven goals he scored in the tournament earned him the golden boot and carried Australia into the final.

At club level, Bulut has struggled to settle during the formative years of his career. A three-year spell at Mlada Boleslav saw the former Sydney FC youth player fail to find goal-scoring form, with reports suggesting a breakdown in communication with the Czech side.

A subsequent move to Akhisar Belediyespor in Turkey – the country of his ancestry – was short-lived, before the Western Sydney Wanderers offered a return to Australian football in January of this year.

The move visibly rejuvenated Bulut, who rediscovered his touch in front of goal, scoring five goals in nine appearances for the club. A series of talismanic displays endeared him to a famously passionate fan-base, though it is typical of his unusual career that he joined Greek Super League outfit Iraklis only a few days ago.

Bulut’s direct style of running is his most potent weapon: he is unafraid to drive at the penalty area, usually playing off the last man and possessing the crucial ability to anticipate the ball.

Physically imposing and unafraid to involve himself in personal duels on the pitch, Bulut has also been involved in some off-field controversy, most notably when he was arrested and charged in 2010 with gang-related activities.

Indeed, there were reports that his move to Iraklis was about to break down due to the Greek club being uncertain about his character and fitness, before the transfer was officially confirmed.

Despite his polarizing persona, Bulut remains an immensely talented, enigmatic footballer who has shown he can flourish when given the right environment and support. A successful debut season in Greece will certainly see more reputable European sides taking notice.

 

Written by Chris Paraskevas

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Pione Sisto: Danish wonderkid linked with the likes of Arsenal and Barca close to Ajax move

  By O-Posts Team | July 10, 2024 - 16:30 | , , , , , , , , ,
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Pione Sisto’s performances during the Under-21 Euros in June have opened for a move to Ajax, according to Danish press. The 20-year-old’s talent is undeniable, and a move to a bigger club such as Ajax this summer seems likely.

In fact, Midtjylland FC, his club in Denmark, expects him to be their biggest ever sale. Considering that Midtjylland over the years have developed players such as Simon Kjær and Winston Reid and sold them to bigger European clubs, there is no doubt Sisto’s talent is incredible.

 

QUICK FACTS:

Name: Pione Sisto
Date of birth: 04.02.2024 – Age: 20
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Midtjylland FC

 

Key strengths

Sisto is considered an incredible talent, much due to his exquisite pace and unpredictable dribbling. In the Danish Superliga he takes on opposing defenders with ease whether it is one, two or three defenders coming at him.

Key to any young player’s development is not being afraid of failure, and Sisto has that ability in abundance. He loves to try new skills and tricks, and more often than not he is successful.

He also has a fierce shot on him and can score from distance as well as good vision and passing abilities to set up his teammates for goal scoring opportunities.

 

Stats

At the age of 17, Sisto got his first team debut for Midtjylland. During his first season, 2012/13, he appeared in a fair amount of games before becoming a first team regular the following season. In 2014/15 he helped Midtjylland to their first ever league title in Denmark.

His end product is also good, notching up 17 goals in 65 matches from his midfield position for his club. His performances did not go unnoticed and he was called up for Denmark’s Under-21s in December 2014.

He made three appearances in the Under-21 Euros in June, scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 win over Czech Republic.

 

Interested clubs

As mentioned, Ajax are closely monitoring the 20-year-old and seem to be the club most likely to sign him this summer. Ajax have previously nurtured the talent of another Danish attacking midfielder, Christian Eriksen, who Sisto have been likened to by Denmark national coach Morten Olsen.

The transfer fee for the rapid midfielder is expected to be around €5 million, making him Midtjylland’s most expensive sale ever.

Sisto has also been linked with a move to major sides in the continent such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona and Juventus.

 

Written by Lars H. Thomesen

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Lucas Biglia: Could the Lazio star add some steel to Man United or Real Madrid’s midfield?

  By O-Posts Team | July 10, 2024 - 12:50 | , , , , , , ,
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It is easy to notice some players whether it be as a result of a spectacular goal, a dazzling display of skill, a defence-splitting pass or a goal-saving challenge but Argentina and Lazio’s midfield engine Lucas Biglia is known for none of these things.

Unassuming and quiet, Biglia may never steal the headlines, but he has proven his qualities time and time again and after playing an integral role in Lazio’s return to the Champions League and cementing a place in the Argentina national side.

A gradual development since his early playing days with Argentinos Juniors now has Biglia linked with two of the biggest clubs in world football but why are both reportedly ready to open their cheque books?

 

Who is Lucas Biglia?

Hailing from the town of Mercedes, 100 Km west of Buenos Aires capital, Lucas Biglia was quickly spotted playing for his local side and incorporated into the renowned academy of Argentinos Juniors. Before making his debut in La Paternal, Biglia had already tasted success with Argentina’s under-17s when he was part of the squad that won the South American Championships in 2003 and he later captained the side to a third place finish in the under-17 World Championship, scoring in the 3-2 semi-final defeat to Spain.

Biglia’s professional debut for Argentinos followed shortly as they gained promotion back to the Primera but at the end of the following campaign, Biglia made the switch to one of the so-called ‘Big Five’ in Independiente. In the same year, Biglia avenged the 2003 under-17 semi-final defeat by helping Argentina under-20s to world glory alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Pablo Zabaleta and Ezequiel Garay in the Netherlands.

Eventually after continuing to impress with Independiente, Biglia made the step up to European football with Belgian side Anderlecht paying around €3 million for the 20-year-old ahead of Spanish clubs, Valencia and Villarreal.

It did not take long for Biglia to establish himself at the heart of the Anderlecht midfield and after helping the club to the title in his debut season, the number five was also named Young Professional Footballer of the Year. The club was unable to defend the title the following season but it did not prevent Biglia from being linked with a host of big clubs across Europe.

In spite of the continued speculation, Biglia remained in Belgium for seven seasons, notching close to 300 appearances and lifting four league titles. That is not to say that the continued rumours didn’t affect Biglia with his relation with supporters at times strained over his desire to leave and test himself in another league.

That opportunity finally arose in July 2013 fresh off winning another Belgian title, when Lazio provided a route out and a step up to Serie A. The switch to one of Europe’s top leagues did not faze the defensive midfielder and the Rome based club have steadily improved, culminating in them finishing third last season and returning to the Champions League.

Making the most of the opportunity to replace Fernando Gago in Argentina’s midfield has only enhanced Biglia’s reputation but whether it is for La Albiceleste or for Lazio, his understated work often goes unnoticed surrounded by more highlight-reel-friendly attacking players.

Every side, however, needs someone to do the less glamorous jobs and so this summer might just see Biglia take another step in his career progression.

 

Could Madrid or Man Utd turn to Biglia in midfield?

Biglia is no stranger to transfer rumours, but at 29 years of age he is now perhaps running out of time if he is to represent one of Europe’s biggest clubs and as such it is unsurprising to find him at the centre of such speculation again this summer.

Unlike the dazzling displays of Brazilian Felipe Anderson or Italian international Antonio Candreva, Biglia went somewhat under the radar during Lazio’s very positive 2014/15 season but it has not prevented Manchester United and Real Madrid being strongly linked with the Argentine defensive midfielder. It is little wonder with a Champions League campaign to prepare for that Lazio are keen to retain the services of their number five.

Italian newspaper Il Messaggero claims that a lucrative new deal has already been tabled but Biglia’s agent, Enzo Montepaone has so far kept his cards close to his chest: “Soon I will be in Italy to speak to (Lazio president Claudio) Lotito. I am not giving too much space to the rumours (of a new contract). I will shortly speak with the club’s leadership and then we will see.”

Lazio may well need a bumper new deal to keep hold of Biglia if the rumoured offers from Manchester and Madrid are anything to go by. The values vary but United have been credited with an £18.6 million bid and Rafa Benitez almost immediately made Biglia a Real Madrid target after taking over this summer.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Lazio are holding out for in excess of £21 million (€30 million) but Real are confident of striking a deal for less than this amount. Biglia may not be the most obvious Real Madrid signing given his lack of flair but just as he would in Manchester, he could provide an excellent ball-playing shield in front of the defence.

 

What would Biglia bring to either side?

Solidity and efficiency would be two words that Lucas Biglia would bring to any side and perhaps these are not the most eye-catching of terms and somewhat downplay his role but nonetheless they are crucial.

Since partnering Javier Mascherano for Argentina, the national side has looked far more compact and Gerardo Martino admitted during the Copa America that with Biglia, as opposed to Ever Banega or a more forward thinking midfielder, Argentina are a more solid outfit. At club level, it is very much the same with Biglia allowing those more attacking midfielders to enjoy the freedom while he sits deeper.

The statistics back this up too, with only Udinese’s Brazilian midfielder Allan averaging more tackles per match in Serie A last season. However, Biglia is not the destroyer type of defensive midfielder and although his timely interceptions and tackles are a feature of his game so too is his passing. Only three players averaged more passes per match than Biglia and yet he still maintained a pass completion rate of 88%.

Despite having a good range of passing, Biglia focuses more on efficiency and protecting possession of the ball. Knowing when and who to give the ball to but also when to hold is a vital part of the central midfield and Biglia not only excels in this department but is also comfortable when asked to push further forward.

Madrid have a wealth of attacking options available and perhaps could benefit from a player willing to sit and do the ‘simpler’ tasks while Manchester United are continuing to build a side that could mount a serious title challenge. With Michael Carrick’s career slowing down and injuries taking a toll, Biglia could provide an important role in front of Louis van Gaal’s defence.

Will either actually come back to Lazio with a firm offer? Who knows, but both could do a lot worse than signing Lucas Biglia.

 

Written by Peter Coates

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Son Heung-Min: South Korean star linked with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham

  By O-Posts Team | July 9, 2024 - 17:22 | , , , , , , , , , ,
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Throughout the spring there have been rumours about Son Heung-Min moving to Anfield, and there are plenty of European clubs keeping a close eye on Son this summer.

The twenty-three year old had a phenomenal season for Bayer Leverkusen scoring eleven goals in the Bundesliga, and seventeen in total, as he helped Leverkusen finish fourth in the league, putting them into the qualifying rounds of the Champions’ League.

Son’s performances this season led to FourFourTwo magazine declaring him Asia’s number one footballer. Son Heung-Min started his career at Hamburg, having joined them at the age of sixteen. He played for Hamburg for three seasons, scoring twenty goals in that time, with his 12 goals in the 2012-3 season attracting the attention of Bayer Leverkusen who shelled out a reported 10 million Euros to sign the South Korean.

He has been impressive in his two seasons at the club, with his hat-trick against Wolfsburg this February being a particular highlight. Two things stand in the way of him moving to another club. The first one is that he already is in the starting line-up of a Champions League club (assuming that Bayer Leverkusen get through the qualifying play-off).

Many of the clubs interested in Son are either not in the Champions League (like Liverpool) or may not be able to offer him a place in the starting line-up.

Despite dreaming of playing in the English Premier League, Son Heung-Min will be wise to remember the fate of Shinji Kagawa at Manchester United, and Andre Schurrle, the man who Son Heung-Min was signed by Leverkusen to replace, at Chelsea. Both players have returned to the Bundesliga after being under-appreciated in England.

Another stumbling block to any move is the matter of Son’s military service. All South Koreans are required to undertake military service, and although most of the South Korean national team earned an exemption from military duty by either winning a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games or a bronze medal at the London Olympics, they managed these two feats without Son Heung-Min who turned down the chance to play in London 2012, and was refused leave by Leverkusen for the Asian Games.

As a result of this, the prospect of two years playing in the military team (currently in South Korea’s second tier) threatens to derail Son’s career and is certainly a consideration for any teams considering making a bid for South Korea’s latest superstar.

 

Written by Steven Price

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