Jeonbuk Hyundai, which transformed into Gus Foye system, succeeded in reinforcing its defense.
An official familiar with the K-League transfer market said "Jeonbuk confirmed the recruitment of Kim Young-bin from Gangwon FC. Not only the transfer fee but also the personal agreement has been finalized. There will be an announcement soon." Following the comeback of goalkeeper Song Bum-keun, who played for Shonan Belmare in the J-League, Jeonbuk has upgraded its defense, including Kim Young-bin, a top defender with national team experience.
Jeonbuk had its worst season of 2024. It fell to the 10th place in the relegation zone, short of falling to the first Final B of its foundation. He managed to stay after beating Seoul E-Land in the promotion playoff. The cause of the slump was defense as well. He remained in 49 goals, seventh in the league, and his trademark Dak-gong (shut up and attack) collapsed, but his defense was disastrous. He has conceded 59 goals, the most in the league. It was completely different from the past when the offense was doubled through defensive stabilization.
Naturally, the task of the winter transfer market was also strengthening defense. Kim Young-bin is on the list. Kim Young-bin, a graduate of Gwangju University, wore a Gwangju FC uniform that played in K League 2 at the time through the 2014 draft. Kim Young-bin, who was appointed by head coach Nam Ki-il, immediately emerged as the core of Gwangju's defense and led Gwangju's first promotion. Kim Young-bin, who has played consistently since then, completed his military service through Sangju Sangmu, and returned to Gwangju in the 2019 season, contributing to Gwangju's K League 2 victory.
Kim Young-bin, who played as a legend in Gwangju, changed to a Gangwon uniform through a trade in the winter transfer market in 2020. Kim Young-bin also played an active role as a key defender in Gangwon Province. In addition to the build-up ability with accurate passes, the long-term control of the air has increased day by day. His weak defense and coordination skills have gradually improved, and he has established himself as the league's top defender. With this performance, he was called by then coach Paulo Bento in 2020 and won the national flag for the first time in his life.
Kim Young-bin, who left a record of starting the 2023 season, suffered from injuries in the 2024 season, but later changed partners such as Lee Ki-hyuk and Kang fighting spirit to take the center stage of Gangwon's defense. Kim Young-bin, who wore the captain's armband, led Gangwon to its first runner-up finish.
In fact, Jeonbuk wanted Kim Young-bin in the transfer market last summer. However, Gangwon, which was competing for the championship at the time, could not send Kim Young-bin, the core of defense. Kim Young-bin also gave up his mind about going to Jeonbuk early on. After the end of the season, Jeonbuk sent courtship once again, and the situation changed. There was no justification to hold Kim Young-bin with one year left on his contract in Gangwon Province. He had already offered a transfer fee. Coach Chung Kyung-ho also persuaded Kim Young-bin to stay as soon as he took office, but he could not turn Kim Young-bin's mind, which was shaken by the large salary offered by Jeonbuk. In the end, Gangwon made a cool decision for Kim Young-bin, who has devoted himself to the team.
Jeonbuk added depth to the central defense by bringing Kim Young-bin to the existing Park Jin-seop, Hong Jung-ho, Yeon Je-woon and Lee Jae-ik. Jeonbuk, which sent left back Kim Jin-soo to FC Seoul, also plans to organize its saturated central defense and complete the reorganization of its defense.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
