"24-year-old South Korean national team center-back who has resolved his military service, valued at 17.2 billion won"... 'Kim Min-jae's top partner' expectations for Europe explode

*This content was translated by AI.

The future of South Korea's national team defenders received high expectations from European local media. Belgian media focused intensely on Lee Han-beom (24), who is wearing the jersey of Belgium's prestigious club Club Brugge.

Belgian media outlet 'HLN' reported on the 4th (Korea time) that "Lee Han-beom, who was a threatening presence to Hugo Broos (Belgium), the head coach of the South African national team at the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, is heading to Club Brugge." It added that "Club Brugge will pay an transfer fee of 7 million euros (approximately 11.5 billion won) plus bonuses," highlighting Lee Han-beom's signing news.

In particular, the media also reported that Lee Han-beom has already perfectly resolved his military service issue. 'HLN' stated, "Lee Han-beom is one of the players who do not have to serve in the South Korean military," emphasizing that he received a military service exemption by winning a gold medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. This points out as a major strength that there is no military service risk, which is considered the biggest obstacle for European clubs when signing Korean players.

Club Brugge had previously announced Lee Han-beom's signing through its official channel on the 3rd. The contract period is three years until 2029, and his jersey number is 3, the number for a key center-back.

A significant transfer fee was also paid. It is reported that Club Brugge guaranteed a base fee of 7 million euros with bonus options attached to Midtjylland. According to European transfer market experts, if detailed options such as sell-on clauses are included, the total transfer fee could reach up to 10.5 million euros (approximately 17.3 billion won).

Club Brugge is already a club that several promising Asian players have passed through. 'HLN' stated, "With Lee Han-beom from South Korea landing at Club Brugge after Wang Shangyuan (China) and Shion Honma (Japan), the team has become even more attractive," and praised him as "an immediate asset who will fill the gap left by injured Joel Ordóñez and take responsibility for the central defensive line alongside Brandon Mechele."

Attention was also paid to Lee Han-beom's resume and achievements. The media reported, "Lee Han-beom, who entered Europe through Midtjylland in 2023, had a very successful period in Denmark. Over the past three seasons, he won the league championship and the cup tournament, and even scored the winning goal against Copenhagen in the Danish Cup final, becoming the hero of the final."

In fact, Lee Han-beom, who made his professional debut with FC Seoul in K League 1 in 2021, overcame early difficulties after joining Midtjylland and played as a starting defender in 50 official matches (3,850 minutes) last season. Additionally, by winning a gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, he received military service exemption benefits, making it possible to continue his long-term challenge in Europe.

His performance at the North American World Cup was also mentioned. 'HLN' stated, "Lee Han-beom was selected for the national team for the North American World Cup and played full 90 minutes in all three group stage matches." It added, "Although the team was eliminated from the group stage due to defeats against South Africa under coach Broos, he stabilized the core of the national team's defense." In fact, at Lee Han-beom-eun (CEO), he led the defensive line as part of a back three alongside Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), showcasing stable performance.

His debut is also expected to happen quickly. 'HLN' predicted, "He has maintained his match sharpness by playing in UEFA Europa League qualifiers with Midtjylland, so there is a high possibility he will be included in the opening match lineup against KV Kortrijk."

Club Brugge, where Lee Han-beom joined, is a prestigious club that has won the Belgian Pro League 20 times in total and will participate in this season's UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage.

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*This content was translated by AI.