[Official] 'Number 9' Korean Striker in Europe Born! Lee Ho-jae, Son of 'Lee Ki-hyung', Transfers to Darmstadt in Germany

*This content was translated by AI.

Striker Lee Ho-jae (26), a former member of the South Korean national football team who played for Pohang Steelers in K League 1, has transferred to SV Darmstadt 98 in Germany's 2. Bundesliga.

On the 29th (Korean time), Darmstadt officially announced: "We have completed the reinforcement of a top striker we were seeking. Lee Ho-jae has left Pohang and joined Darmstadt." His jersey number is '9', symbolizing a key striker. The contract duration was not disclosed.

Lee Ho-jae, also known as the son of 'Cannon Shooter' Lee Ki-hyung, who is currently the head coach of Yanbian Longding, began playing soccer in New Zealand during his childhood and played for Incheon United Youth. Standing at 193cm tall, he is a towering striker. He made his professional debut after joining Pohang in 2021 and has since appeared in 149 K League 1 matches over five and a half seasons, recording 43 goals and 7 assists up to this season.

Last season, he recorded 15 goals and 1 assist, achieving his career high with double-digit goals for the first time since his debut. He was called up by coach Hong Myung-bo to represent South Korea in the 2025 EAFF E-1 Football Championship (East Asian Cup). At the tournament, Lee Ho-jae played in all pre-tournament matches and scored a goal against Hong Kong in the second match. Although he was mentioned as a candidate for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, his association with the national team did not continue beyond that.

Darmstadt, which finished fifth in Germany's 2. Bundesliga last season, is also known as a club with strong ties to Korean players, having previously hosted Cha Bum-kun, Kim Jin-guk, Kim Min-hye, Ji Dong-won, and Baek Seung-ho. After being relegated to the bottom of the German Bundesliga in the 2023–2024 season, the club is aiming for promotion after four years this season, selecting Lee Ho-jae as the striker responsible for leading their attack.

Paul Ferni, Darmstadt's sports director, stated: "We have been watching Lee Ho-jae's career and growth process for a long time, and finally had the opportunity to bring him in this summer." He added, "He is a classic top striker with strong physicality and excellent finishing ability. He enjoys playing as a target man inside the penalty box, excels in holding off defenders while protecting the ball, and shows strength in aerial duels. We are delighted to have signed such an interesting player for our attack."

Lee Ho-jae also said through the club: "When offered the opportunity to continue my career in Germany, I immediately felt its appeal. I have always followed German football closely. It is very gratifying to become part of a traditional club." He continued, "The biggest motivation is to repay the trust shown by the club with many goals. I want to wear the Darmstadt jersey and step onto the field as soon as possible."

Lee Ho-jae is expected to make his European debut in the opening match of Germany's 2. Bundesliga against Holstein Kiel, scheduled for the 8th of next month at the earliest.

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*This content was translated by AI.