Suwon Samsung sharpened its sword, and Kim Ji-hyun, a native striker from the national team, was recruited
Dec 26, 2024
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Multiple officials familiar with the K-League transfer market said through Sports Chosun on the 26th that Suwon Samsung was on the verge of recruiting Kim Ji-hyun, a native striker who played in Ulsan HD. The club's agreement is in the final stages. In fact, only medical tests are left. Kim Ji-hyun received love calls from multiple clubs in the transfer market this winter. He chose Suwon amid a great deal of interest.
Suwon, led by head coach Byun Sung-hwan, aims to restore its honor in 2025. Suwon has lost its pride in recent years. In the end, he remained at the bottom of the K League 1 in 2023 and was relegated to the K League 2 (division 2). I tried to restore my honor in 2024, but I couldn't achieve my goal. He finished the season in sixth place with 15 wins, 11 draws and 10 losses (56 points). Suwon dreams of 'Advancement' in 2025, the 30th anniversary of its foundation. Earlier, Coach Byun said, "(The new season) goal is direct promotion. I don't want to make any excuses now. We have to start with winter training. It can't be avoided. His ability as a leader should also be evaluated with a cool head. We are preparing to win the championship and promote to the direct."
He threw a game-changer. Suwon managed to recruit Kim Ji-hyun as a 'proven striker'. Kim Ji-hyun can handle not only strikers but also wingers in general. He is evaluated as excellent in forward pressure with active activity.
Kim Ji-hyun entered the professional league in 2018 wearing a uniform for Gangwon FC. Kim Ji-hyun, who showed his potential for the first season, proved his value the following year. He scored 10 goals and 1 assist in 27 K League games in 2019. It was honored with the K League 1 Young Player Award. In 2020, he also scored eight goals and two assists in 23 games. In particular, he joined the A team in 2020 after being called by then-A national team coach Paulo Bento. At the time, Bento said, `I think Kim Ji-hyun is a player who shows good characteristics. He has shown interesting abilities by playing consistently this season. Both physically and technically have good abilities. He praised the player who showed good performance and constantly observed it."
The love call for Kim Ji-hyun was hot. He moved to Ulsan Hyundai (Ulsan HD) in 2021. It was a bit disappointing in the first season. He joined Gimcheon in 2022 and made another leap forward. Kim Ji-hyun announced her revival in Gimcheon. He led Gimcheon's attack as the team's main striker. He went back to Ulsan after being discharged from the military and sought to restore his self-esteem. The injury held back. Kim Ji-hyun, who returned from rehabilitation, is taking on a new challenge. He runs toward Suwon's promotion by holding manager Byun's hand. It is also an opportunity for Kim Ji-hyun to open a new chapter in her career.
Meanwhile, Suwon will hold a training session at the Hwaseong clubhouse in early January 2025. After that, he plans to sweat hard for the turnaround of 2025 in Bangkok and the South Sea, Thailand.
epi17@sportschosun.com
