"Salary Cut for Dreams" Recognized by Portuguese Media: "Song Min-gyu Made a Difficult Decision"

*This content was translated by AI.

It appears that Portuguese club CD Nacional is on the verge of signing FC Seoul forward Song Min-gyu (27). Local Portuguese media are also reporting the imminent transfer, highlighting his decision to accept a salary reduction.

Portuguese outlet A Bola reported on the 27th (Korean time): "The transfer of South Korean national team striker Song Min-gyu to Nacional is very close. He is expected to fulfill his dream of playing in Europe." The report added, "As reported in Korea, there is a high possibility that Nacional will sign Song Min-gyu, and A Bola has confirmed this information as well."

The outlet further stated: "Song Min-gyu had previously attracted interest from English clubs including Hull City, but the transfer did not materialize due to work permit issues. Now, with Nacional based in Madeira actively pursuing his signing, he has finally secured an ideal opportunity to have his value recognized."

Notably, A Bola is focusing on Song Min-gyu's decision to accept a salary reduction and proceed with the transfer despite the financial setback. The media explained: "He prioritized his playing career and accepted a pay cut to realize his dream of competing in European football."

The report continued: "Even though FC Seoul could not sign a replacement player because the K-League transfer window has already closed, the club honored its promise to support Song Min-gyu if he received an offer from a European club at the time of his signing." This provides additional context for Song's move to Nacional.

A product of the Chungju Hummel Youth system, 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 appeared in 25 games, recording five goals and four assists, contributing to FC Seoul's solo lead in the K League 1 standings.

First called up to the national team under Portuguese coach Paulo Bento in May 2021, Song has made 14 appearances for South Korea, 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.

CD Nacional, the club most likely to become Song Min-gyu's new team, was founded in 1910. It is also the club where South Korean player Seol Hyun-jun (Yongin FC) played during the 2014–2015 season. If the transfer process concludes quickly, Song Min-gyu is expected to make his European debut no later than next month in a match against Sporting CP on the 7th.

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*This content was translated by AI.