Ki Sung-yueng, K League Return 'Canceled'... Exploring Overseas League Opportunities

Soccer player Ki Sung-yueng [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Sung-yeol] 'Captain' Ki Sung-yueng's return to the K League has fallen through. Ki Sung-yueng is expected to seek opportunities in overseas leagues.

Ki Sung-yueng's agency, 'C2 Global,' stated in a press release on the 11th, "Ki Sung-yueng's return to the K League this season will not happen unless a very special variable occurs," adding, "Currently, negotiations are underway with multiple foreign league clubs according to the player's wishes."

They added, "If the player's transfer is confirmed, we will promptly announce it through the respective club's channels."

Originally, Ki Sung-yueng was supposed to hold a press conference in person to announce his future, but due to the novel coronavirus (Wuhan pneumonia) situation, C2 Global decided to issue a press release instead.

Regarding the reason for distributing the press release, they explained, "Ki Sung-yueng notified both FC Seoul and Jeonbuk Hyundai that negotiations were terminated as of February 10, 2020," and "This was due to the recognition that the goodwill attempt to return to the K League was turning into a situation causing confusion not only for the two clubs but for the entire K League."

They also conveyed, "Ki Sung-yueng is quite disheartened by the collapse of his return to the K League," and "He feels very sorry to the domestic football fans who were looking forward to his comeback."

Earlier, Ki Sung-yueng terminated his contract with Newcastle United last month and sought a new team as a free agent (FA).

As a result, a return to his former club FC Seoul was first mentioned.

However, differences in salary negotiations with Seoul could not be resolved, and disappointed with Seoul, Ki Sung-yueng explored joining Jeonbuk Hyundai. This too fell through due to a contract clause requiring Ki Sung-yueng to pay a penalty to Seoul if he returned to another K League club.

Seoul did not reserve a spot for Ki Sung-yueng when assembling their squad this year. They completed their player lineup by filling the midfielder position left vacant by Lee Myung-ju with Han Chan-hee and Han Seung-gyu.