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| Source=Belgian Club Genk SNS Capture |
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| Source=Belgian Club Genk SNS Capture |
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| The national soccer team players, led by head coach Klinsmann, continued their call-up training at the Busan Asiad Stadium on the 15th.. Son Heung-min and Oh Hyun-kyu are warming up by running. Busan = Reporter Choi Moon-young @sportschosun.com /2023.06.15/ |
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| Source=Belgian Club Genk SNS Capture |
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National University striker Oh Hyun-kyu (23) has found a new way out.
Oh Hyun-kyu, who has not received enough opportunities for Celtic in the past 18 months, made a bold transfer through the transfer market this summer.
Belgium's prestigious Genk announced on its official channel on the 15th (Korea Standard Time) that it has signed a four-year contract with 'OH' (Oh Hyun-kyu) until 2028. Oh Hyun-kyu, who was ranked No. 1 on Genk Scout's wish list, will be transferred from Celtic. Oh Hyun-kyu scored six goals last season."
"Oh Hyun-kyu has the ability to score goals without fear in difficult situations," football director Dimitri de Conde Genk said. "A sharp striker who also has a strong presence in the box."
Oh Hyun-kyu said "Henk is a team with a lot of experience in youth development. As interest materialized, my decision became immediately clear. I want to show myself as soon as possible"I'm ready to shake it," he said with a bold determination.
Oh Hyun-kyu, who moved to Celtic from Suwon 'Friendship' in January 2023 for a transfer fee of 2.5 million pounds (current exchange rate of about 4.5 billion won), contributed to the Domenic Travel by exploding seven goals as a special joker when he was led by Tottenham manager Engie Postecoglou.
However, last season's playing time decreased significantly. There were times when it wasn't included in the entry. Celtic manager Brandon Rogers appointed Kyogo Furuhashi of Japan National University and loanee Adam Aida.
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| AP연합뉴스 |
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| A warm-up match between the national soccer team and Peru, led by head coach Klinsmann, was held at Busan Asiad Stadium on the 16th. South Korea's Oh Hyun-kyu is shooting between Peruvian defenders. Busan = Reporter Choi Moon-young @sportschosun.com /2023.06.16/ |
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Oh Hyun-kyu, who played 11 games in the uniform of the South Korean national soccer team, participated in the Qatar Asian Cup finals between January and February, but he was not called twice during the convocation period after former national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann was replaced after the tournament. Veteran Joo Min-gyu (Ulsan) replaced Oh Hyun-gyu's position.
Even if he remained at Celtic, he was not guaranteed time to play, and a change was needed. England's second division Swansea City and others reached out, but Genk was the most active team. Genk reportedly paid a considerable transfer fee of 4.5 million pounds (about 8 billion won). You can see how sincere he was about recruiting Oh Hyun-kyu.
Leaving the Scottish league and entering the Belgian league cannot be seen as a 'big leap', but he seems to have seen it as a stepping stone to advance to the big league. Genk is a selling club that recruits young resources with potential and sells them back for a large transfer fee.
This summer, winger Mike Tresser moved to Burnley for 18 million euros and goalkeeper Marten Vandevoort to Leipzig for 10 million euros. Last summer, right-back Daniel Munoz also flew to Crystal Palace for 8 million euros.
Japan's national winger Junya Ito (Stade Reims), who is currently recognized for his skills in French Ligue 1, is also a star produced by Genk. Oh Hyun-kyu is the best club to take the next step. There is also a way to go straight to the big leagues from Celtic, but if you can't play, you'll have no time to talk.
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| Source=Belgian Club Genk SNS Capture |
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| Source=Belgian Club Genk SNS Capture |
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Genk is head coach Torsten Fink, who coached Son Heung-min (Tottenham) in Hamburg. Coach Fink, who led Japan's Vissel Kobe and United Arab Emirates' Alnasr, is classified as a leader with a high understanding of Asian players. He took the helm of Genk this summer.
Another reason why Genk is expected to enter is the presence of the 'national team senior' midfielder Hong Hyun-seok (Hent) and the familiar 'blue uniform'. Hong Hyun-seok can help Belgium life and adapt to the league. Oh Hyun-kyu's old team Suwon's traditional color was the same blue as Genk.
Oh Hyun-kyu, who had various numbers on the national team and his team, will wear No. 11, No. 20, No. 37, No. 35, No. 99, No. 12, and No. 19 in Genk. It is expected to compete in good faith with Tolu Arocodare, the team's most goalscorer with 12 goals in Genk last season, and Andi Zekiri, a former Swiss national striker.
Genk, which is currently in preseason, will play the opening game of the 2024-2025 season against Stendarieju at its home stadium Luminous Arena on the 28th. Will Oh Hyun-kyu be able to make a comeback in Genk and impress the new national team coach Hong Myung-bo.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
