Barring Bayern, stamping his mark: Huh Jae-won's move to Munich draws German attention "Surprise acquisition, tallest among GK youth"

*This content was translated by AI.

As JejuSK youth goalkeeper Huh Jae-won (18) moves on loan to the Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich, local German media are also paying close attention to his arrival.

On the 31st of last month (Korean time), Munich officially announced that it is acquiring goalkeeper Huh Jae-won from its partner club JejuSK in Korea on a six-month loan. Jeju also conveyed the same news.

According to Jeju, Huh Jae-won will play as a loanee for Munich until January 2027. The contract includes an option for a permanent transfer if certain conditions are met. Huh is scheduled to join Bayern's under-19 (U-19) team.

Huh Jae-won, who joined the Jeju youth system in 2021, is a goalkeeper with excellent physical attributes—standing 195 cm tall and weighing 83 kg—and possesses quick reflexes. He has played seven matches for the Korean Yeon Ryeong-byeol (CEO) team and was named to the final roster for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Ahead of this season, he signed a semi-professional contract with Jeju.

The partnership between Jeju and Munich's R&G (Red&Gold Football) played a decisive role in this transfer. R&G is a global youth development platform established through a joint venture between Munich and LAFC, where Son Heung-min plays in Major League Soccer (MLS), in 2023. Jeju became the first Asian club to sign an R&G partnership agreement in September 2025.

The Jeju club explained that "Huh Jae-won underwent a month-long training program at the Munich campus through the R&G program in January this year" and added, "In June, he was selected for 'FC Bayern World Squad 2026' as the first-ever player from Jeju youth, participating in training and friendly matches in Jeju, Paju, and Germany."

Huh Jae-won earned the trust of the coaching staff, including coach Roy Makaay, a Munich legend and commander of the World Squad. He delivered impressive performances against FC Seoul U-18 and Yeongdeungpo High School and also started as the goalkeeper in the final match of the World Squad program against Munich's U-19 team, making his mark.

German media outlet Sport highlighted Huh Jae-won's acquisition, stating that "Munich has made a surprise signing."

The outlet explained, "Huh Jae-won secured his opportunity to join Munich through the World Squad youth development program" and added, "He started as the goalkeeper in the final match of the program against Munich's U-19 team."

It further reported that "Munich officially introduced Huh Jae-won, who stands 195 cm tall, as one of the tallest goalkeepers among the club's youth teams."

Munich-based local newspaper Merkur also noted that "Huh Jae-won showcased his potential to Munich officials through the World Squad program held this year" and highlighted that "he notably started as the goalkeeper in the final match of the program against Munich's U-19 team."

The Jeju club stated, "Munich decided to acquire Huh Jae-won after highly evaluating his growth rate and adaptability shown during two consecutive training camps."

Michael Wisinger, Munich's head of sports and youth development, also expressed his expectations for Huh Jae-won.

Wisinger said, "Huh Jae-won is an interesting goalkeeper prospect" and added, "He left a positive impression during the test training in January and has once again proven his potential through the World Squad program."

He continued, "Huh Jae-won will be with us for the next six months," and concluded, "We are very much looking forward to seeing what kind of growth he will show with Munich's U-19 team."

Huh Jae-won's transfer marks the first case where a player from the JejuSK youth system has gone directly to a top-tier European club. It also represents the first time a Korean goalkeeper has moved to Europe since Kwon Jung-hyuk's move to the Finnish league in 2009, 17 years later.

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*This content was translated by AI.