'Another Korean Striker Born in Europe': FC Seoul's Song Min-gyu on the Brink of Transfer to Portugal's CD Nacional

*This content was translated by AI.

Another European-based striker is about to emerge. The protagonist is professional soccer K-League 1 FC Seoul forward Song Min-gyu (27).

According to the soccer community on the 26th, Song Min-gyu is preparing to leave Seoul and join CD Nacional in Portugal's Primeira Liga (first division). Although it is mid-season, both head coach Kim Ki-dong and the FC Seoul club have respected Song's determination to challenge himself in Europe and opened the path for his transfer. He is expected to depart as early as this week and finalize the transfer procedures.

Song Min-gyu has long been a national team forward with persistent rumors of a European move. Specific leagues and clubs, including Germany, Turkey, Scotland, and England's second division, were frequently mentioned. However, each transfer attempt fell through, leaving him with only regret. Fortunately, CD Nacional recently extended a strong offer. Combined with Song's deep desire to play in Europe and the support from FC Seoul and coach Kim Ki-dong, the transfer gained momentum. Although his salary will likely be lower than what he currently earns at Seoul, Song could not miss this long-cherished opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing abroad. Ultimately, that dream is now within reach.

A product of Chungju Hummel Youth, Song Min-gyu made his debut with Pohang Steelers in 2018 and has since played for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and FC Seoul, spending nine consecutive seasons in K-League 1. His career statistics in K-League 1 stand at 229 matches, 48 goals, and 30 assists. This season, he has appeared in 25 games, recording five goals and four assists, contributing to FC Seoul's solo lead in the K-League 1 standings. A recipient of the 2020 K-League 1 Rookie of the Year award, he also earned a spot in the K-League 1 Best XI for the first time since his debut during last season while playing for Jeonbuk. He later married announcer Kwak Min-seon.

In May 2021, during the tenure of Portuguese coach Paulo Bento, Song was selected to the national team for the first time and has since appeared in 14 A-international matches, scoring one goal. Although his international record ended after 2024, there remains a possibility of returning to the national team depending on his performance following his move to Europe. He also resolved his military service obligations by winning the gold medal in men's football at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

CD Nacional, Song Min-gyu's new club, was founded in 1910. It is also the team where Korean player Seong Hyeon-jun (Yongin FC) played during the 2014–2015 season. Last season, the club finished 14th out of 18 teams with a record of nine wins, seven draws, and 18 losses, narrowly avoiding relegation. This season, they sit in eighth place with one win, one draw, and one loss. If the transfer is finalized quickly, Song is expected to make his debut as early as the match against Estrela da Amadora on the 30th, or no later than the game against Sporting CP next month on the 7th.

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*This content was translated by AI.