Kim Soo-beom and Kim Eun-sun both made life-changing career moves to the Hyundai A-League this week.
The two players from the Korea Republic – who have signed for Perth Glory and Central Coast Mariners respectively – are entering Australia’s biggest competition after playing the entirety of their careers in their homeland.
EVERY FOREIGN SIGNING: Overseas players in the Hyundai A-League
After honing their craft in one of Asia’s most demanding competitions, the K-League, and in the AFC Champions League, both players are destined for key roles in Western Australia and Gosford.
Let’s take a look at what they’ll bring to the table.
What Kim Soo-beom bring to Perth and the Hyundai A-League?
Genuinely two-footed and comfortable playing on both the left and right side of defence, Kim Soo-beom’s versatility will prove an enormous asset as Perth set out to defend their maiden Hyundai A-League Premiership.
A disciplined and calming presence in defence, the 28-year-old ex-Jeju United stalwart can also set pulses racing in more advanced wide midfield roles.
He could very well slot straight in to the vacant wing-back role left by Jason Davidson’s departure, but is a candidate to excel in any position across the three-at-the-back formation which served as the bedrock of Glory’s 2018/19 Premiers Plate triumph.
퍼스 글로리는 새롭게 합류한 김수범 선수를 진심으로 환영합니다.
A very warm welcome to Kim!@ALeague @KoreaFootAbroad @kleague @KCCAustralia #OneGlory pic.twitter.com/4oIZZYw3eq— Perth Glory FC (@PerthGloryFC) July 30, 2019
What will Eun-sun Kim bring to Central Coast?
Eun-sun Kim, 31, also agreed a one-year deal with his new employers, the Mariners, after impressing in a trial period in Gosford.
A classy box-to-box midfielder, the Incheon-born product has spent the most of his career for Suwon Bluewings.
And in a similar vein to his countryman, Eun-sun Kim possesses the technical ability and composure to ply his trade in multiple positions across the pitch, including centre back, fullback and in wider midfield roles.
Mariners sign South Korean Midfielder, Kim Eun-Sun! ✍️
센트럴 코스트 마리너스는 대한민국 미드필더 김은선 선수를 영입하였습니다.#WelcomeKim ? https://t.co/CAxaMQkA5W #CCMFC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/sv1Kmel8jz
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) August 2, 2019
When could they make their debuts?
Perth fans could get a chance to see Kim Soo-beom in action when Glory welcome Western Sydney Wanderers in the FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 on Wednesday, August 7 (kick off 7:30pm AEST). Secure your seat to that clash HERE, and take a look at the match centre HERE.
Eun-sun Kim’s Mariners debut also could be in the FFA Cup. The Mariners booked their place in the Round of 16 after beating Maitland 2-0 in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.
What kit number will he wear?
Kim will wear No. 12 for Perth, a number last occupied by ex-goalkeeper Jerrad Tyson in 2015/16.
Meanwhile, Kim will wear No. 4 for the Mariners. Jake McGing was the most recent man to wear that number for the Yellow and Navy, before he left for Poland in March.
Korea Republic players in the Hyundai A-League
The newly arrived pair join a lengthy list of Korea Republic players to grace the Hyundai A-League.
Notable stars include Sung-hwan Byun, who scored the winning penalty in Sydney FC’s 2009/10 Championship win against Melbourne Victory, and Jin-hyung Song, a gifted playmaker who helped Newcastle Jets lift the 2007/08 Championship.
In more recent times, midfielder Jae-sung Kim made seven appearances for Adelaide United in 2016/17, while defender Lee Ki-je turned out 20 times for Newcastle Jets in 2015/16-2016/17.
Australian players in the K-League
Caltex Socceroos marksman Adam Taggart is one of the K-League’s hottest properties right now, netting 13 goals in 20 K-League games after joining from Brisbane Roar in February.
Former Sydney FC forward Bernie Ibini plies his trade for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, while previously, Dimitri Petratos, Ivan Franjic, Dylan McGowan and Alex Wilkinson have all tried their hand in one of Asia’s toughest domestic competitions.
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