Moda, the top scorer in the second division remaining in the K-League after rejecting a large Chinese offer, Anyang's winning move → K-League 1 proof will be active

Jan 05, 2025

사진=FC안양

Despite the tremendous temptation of the Chinese stage, Mota (28) chose to prove himself in K League 1. FC Anyang won the title of the `Hana Bank K League 2 2024' last year and succeeded in promoting to the first division. It was a promotion that I dreamed of since its foundation in 2013. Promotion is the beginning, not the end. Promotion from K League 2 is also a war, but from the next season, we have to look beyond staying. Reinforcing the squad was a necessity, not an option. Anyang's winning move to prepare for the first K League 1 stage in the club's history was followed. Anyang officially announced the recruitment of Brazilian striker Mota, who played in Cheonan on the 3rd. Mota said in an interview with the team, "I'm happy to play in the K League 1 with Anyang. Thank you for this great opportunity and I will do my best to repay the fans' passionate support," he said, strengthening his will.

Considering Mota's performance in K League 2 in the 2024 season, going to Anyang was an unconventional decision. Mota scored 16 league goals last season and became the top scorer in the K League 2. He was also selected in the K League 2 Best 11 Strikers category. He was a player who stood out for his excellent right to provide using his 193cm tall height, his goal-making ability, linked play using teammates, and space utilization through pressure at the front line. Since the performance was great, he also received a recruitment offer from China after the end of the season. The Chinese Super League promotion team, which was fascinated by Mota's performance in K League 2, showed interest. He seduced her with sufficient swaying conditions.

But Mota wanted proof. Even though he was the top scorer in the K League 2, there were not many K League 1 teams reaching out to Mota. The huge transfer fee was a stumbling block. Reluctant to pay a high transfer fee, he did not approach Mota. Mota had the will to reverse the thoughts of these clubs. He said, `I want to be the top scorer in the K League 1 as well"I strengthened my will and decided to move to Anyang, where I handed over the offer. Family members were one of the reasons. Mota played on the Korean stage for Cheonan City FC in 2022. The 2025 season is already in its fourth year in the K League. He is already perfectly adapted to life in Korea. The same goes for Mota's family. Considering the young age of his child, he did not want his wife to leave Korea and move to China. Moda's situation and Anyang's courtship matched properly.

Anyang coach Yoo Byung-hoon's concerns have also been resolved. Coach Yoo, who led Anyang's promotion a year after the coach's debut, has been constantly worried about the front line since last season. Danlei was injured during the 2024 season and filled the spot with Nicolas, but it was actually a failure. Nicholas finished the season without an offensive point, and immediately left the team due to the expiration of his contract. Mota is a striker who has already shown more than Nicolas and Danlei in K League 2. If you maintain the scoring ability shown in K League 2, you will be responsible for one season, so there is no shortage at all. He also succeeded in forming a Brazilian connection that could show enough destructive power in K League 1. Brazil's offensive resources, which were considered one of the best in K League 2, including frontline Mota, Yago, and Matheus, have become the core of Anyang. Brazilian defensive midfielder Eduardo also joined the team. You can expect synergy between your players.

Anyang, which even joined Mota, left for off-season training in Chonburi, Thailand to prepare for the 2025 season in earnest.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.