[Official] Goalkeeper heads straight from K League to Munich! Jeju SK's Heo Jae-won makes a surprise loan move

*This content was translated by AI.

Heo Jae-won (18), a goalkeeper born in 2008 who plays for K League 1's Jeju SK, is making a surprise move to Europe's top club, Bayern Munich.

On the 31st, Jeju announced that "Heo Jae-won will join Bayern Munich on a six-month loan until January 2027," adding that "an option for a permanent transfer will be activated if certain conditions are met."

This marks the first time in 17 years since Kwon Jung-hyuk's move to Finland's league in 2009 that a South Korean goalkeeper has advanced to Europe. Furthermore, Heo Jae-won is setting a new record as the first goalkeeper to go directly to Europe's top leagues.

Jeju highlighted this as "a meaningful milestone, as 18-year-old Heo Jae-won broke through the wall of Europe's top leagues that even many renowned goalkeepers could not overcome."

Standing at 195cm and weighing 83kg, Heo Jae-won is known for his strong reflexes. He was also a member of the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup squad.

According to the club, this transfer is the first fruit of the partnership between Jeju SK and R&G (Red & Gold Football) established last September. R&G is a global youth development platform jointly founded in 2023 by Bayern Munich and LAFC, Son Heung-min's current club. Jeju was the first partner club in Asia.

In June, Heo Jae-won became the first player from Jeju Youth to be selected for the Munich World Squad 2026, participating in training sessions and friendly matches. His rapid growth and adaptability demonstrated during two consecutive training camps led to this transfer being finalized.

Meanwhile, Heo Jae-won's official signing ceremony with Bayern Munich will take place at halftime of the Audi Football Summit 2026 between Jeju and Bayern Munich, held next month on the 4th at 8 p.m. at Jeju World Cup Stadium.

Jeju CEO Jo Ja-ryong stated, "Heo Jae-won's transfer signifies that the world has recognized the value of our youth system," adding, "Our vision to create a path to the global stage despite geographical limitations as an island is becoming reality."

Heo Jae-won said, "I started my football journey at Jeju and have grown my dreams by training in Munich through R&G. It is truly special to be able to play wearing both the Jeju and Bayern Munich jerseys in front of Jeju fans," and added, "I will repay Jeju for nurturing me and become a player who competes confidently even in Munich."

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*This content was translated by AI.