Asian Players in Europe

Ki Sung-Yueng Departs Mallorca, Eyes Potential K-League Return

Former Swansea, Newcastle, and Korea International midfielder Ki Sung-Yeng has parted ways with Spanish club RCD Mallorca, and could be eyeing a move to back to the K-League. 

This latest news follows reports that the 31-year-old midfielder will not renew his contract with RCD Mallorca, which runs out at the end of June.

Ki joined Mallorca in February, but made only a single appearance due to injury concerns and the enforced COVID-19 break.

As expected, K-League clubs are undoubtedly interested in the high-profile midfielder. However, any club which does so will have to pay a fee to his former club FC Seoul, as per an agreement signed when Ki joined Celtic in 2010.

As such, Seoul themselves remain a potential destination for the midfielder, as are defending champions Jeonbuk Hyundai.

However, according to this tweet by Steve Han, the midfielder is still attracting interest from beyond Korea. MLS outfit LA Galaxy was reportedly interested in securing Ki’s signature before he chose to join Mallorca, and could well be in the hunt for him again now that his contract has expired.

Ki’s return would be a major boost for Seoul, who have struggled so far this season, currently sitting in 9th place after nine games. This move would also mark the return of another high-profile former Premier League player to the K.League this season after Lee Chung-Yong joined Ulsan Hyundai back in March.