*This content was translated by AI.
European debut for FC Seoul striker Song Min-gyu (27) is now within reach. As he nears a move to CD Nacional of Portugal's Primeira Liga (top division), his current club Seoul has also decided to support his European challenge without charging a transfer fee.
A K-League transfer source told StarNews on the 27th regarding Song Min-gyu's potential transfer: "Nacional has submitted an offer, and a decision is expected soon."
Although the season is still underway, it is understood that coach Kim Ki-dong and Seoul FC have decided to allow Song Min-gyu's transfer without a fee out of respect for his determination to challenge in Europe.
Song Min-gyu, who has represented the South Korean national team, left Pohang Steelers in 2021 with a reported transfer fee of around 2 billion won before joining Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. He served as a key striker for Jeonbuk over four seasons and joined Seoul on a free agent (FA) basis ahead of this season.
From the beginning, Song Min-gyu had expressed strong intentions to play in Europe. Seoul also established a policy to actively support his challenge if offers come from European clubs in the future.
In fact, upon receiving Nacional's offer, Seoul decided not to block Song Min-gyu's long-held dream despite suffering a loss of key attacking firepower mid-season. As a result, even if this transfer is finalized, Seoul is reported to receive no transfer fee.
Song Min-gyu also played a central role in Seoul's attack this season. He appeared in 25 league matches, recording five goals and four assists, contributing to the team's lead in the standings. Seoul sits atop K-League 1 with 16 wins, five draws, and four losses (53 points).
Rumors of Song Min-gyu moving to Europe are not new for him. He has previously been linked with several European clubs, including Scotland's Celtic FC, Turkey's Fenerbahçe, and Italy's Udinese. There were also connections with Japanese J-League clubs.
In 2024, reports emerged that Hull City of England's Championship (second division) showed interest in signing Song Min-gyu. Recently, it is said that he has also attracted attention from another Championship club, Watford, in addition to Nacional.
However, multiple discussions about his overseas move did not lead to an actual transfer this time. This time is different. With negotiations with Nacional having progressed significantly, there is a growing possibility that Song Min-gyu's next destination will be Portugal.
Currently, Song Min-gyu's side and Nacional are proceeding with detailed transfer procedures. If negotiations conclude smoothly, Song Min-gyu could depart for Portugal before Seoul's next K-League 1 fixture against Gwangju FC on the 30th.
Nacional, which is highly likely to become Song Min-gyu's new team, is a Portuguese club founded in 1910. It was also the club where Korean striker Seok Hyun-jun (Yongin FC) played during the 2014–2015 season.
Last season, Nacional recorded nine wins, seven draws, and 18 losses in Portugal's top division, finishing 14th out of 18 teams to remain in the league. This season, they have one win, one draw, and one loss (four points), placing them eighth.
Several Korean players are already active in the Portuguese league. Along with national team key midfielder Hwang In-beom (FC Porto), Lee Hyun-ju and Park Si-hoo (both at Arouca) are also playing there. If Song Min-gyu's move to Nacional is confirmed, a "Korean derby" could take place.
He also has international experience. Song Min-gyu was first called up to the South Korean national team in May 2021 under former coach Paulo Bento. He has since appeared in 14 A-match games, scoring one goal. At the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, he won a men's football gold medal, resolving his military service obligations.
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*This content was translated by AI.
