[Official] 'Football prodigy' Kim Ye-geon, who drew attention, moves to Europe at 18... '5-year contract, jersey number 19' joins Zvezda

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Ye-geon (18), born in 2008 and hailed as a 'football prodigy' since childhood, has left Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to join the prestigious Serbian professional club Crvena Zvezda.

Zvezda announced the signing of Kim Ye-geon through its official channels on the 25th (Korean time). The contract is for five years, and his jersey number is 19.

Zvezda stated, "Kim Ye-geon, born in 2008, went through Han Guk-eul (CEO) Jeonju Youth." It added, "He excels primarily as an attacking midfielder but can also play on the wings. He has been called up to the Korean national team and made his debut on the senior stage this year wearing the Jeonbuk jersey."

Through the club, Kim Ye-geon said, "It is a great honor to join Crvena Zvezda, and I am delighted to become a member of Serbia's top club. Among all clubs that approached me during negotiations, Zvezda left the best impression. I felt that the club truly wanted me, and I believe Zvezda's playing style suits me best."

He continued, "Becoming part of such a prestigious club is a great honor. I want to repay the fans' support. As the fans have believed in and supported me, I will strive on the field to repay that trust and encouragement. I will do my utmost to deliver the best possible performances."

Kim Ye-geon has been a highly sought-after talent since childhood as a football prodigy. He received early interest from European clubs while playing for Cheongju FC and even reached the verge of joining Feyenoord's youth team during elementary school, but his departure was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He subsequently developed through Jeonbuk's youth system (Geumsan Middle School and Jeonju Yeongsang High School). In March this year, he signed a semi-professional contract with Jeonbuk, and in July, he became the first player in club history to sign a full professional contract while still a high school student.

After making his K League debut at just 17 years old last month, Kim Ye-geon scored his debut goal in his second match against Ulsan HD in the 'Hyundai Derby,' drawing widespread attention. His goal ranked as the seventh youngest in K League 1 history (17 years, 11 months, and 4 days) and was later awarded K League Goal of the Month. His K League 1 record stands at one goal in eight matches.

Given his early recognition as a talented player and his demonstrated competitiveness on the professional stage, he received numerous offers from European clubs. While several clubs showed interest beyond Zvezda, Kim Ye-geon carefully considered multiple factors, including guaranteed playing time, before choosing Zvezda as his first destination in Europe.

In Serbia, Kim Ye-geon is evaluated not only as an immediate asset but also as a player who could generate significant transfer fee revenue through future re-sales. The initial intention behind the signing was to prepare for a potential move to a larger club down the line. According to the transfer market website Transfermarkt, Kim's transfer fee is 500,000 euros (approximately 810 million won). Jeonbuk will receive 25% of any future transfer fees if Kim moves to another club.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.