Gimcheon’s CEO is bringing in a strong roster of new players for next season. In particular, the ‘ultra-luxury offensive line’ that resembles the A national team attracts attention.
The Armed Forces Athletic Department announced the finalists for the second batch of 2023 Armed Forces Athletic Specialists on the 1st. In the men’s soccer category, a total of 17 talented players in the K League were named to the final list. From the beginning of the selection process, speculation was raised that this would be a ‘record-breaking’ class. Now that the lid has been lifted, we can only nod in agreement.
The most eye-catching position is the offensive line. In fact, the front line has been one of the weakest positions for Gimcheon in recent years. The team has new players who can play up front, such as Cho Young-wook and Lee Young-joon, but the lack of a clear-cut solution has been a problem. Gimcheon’s thirst for a striker was further exacerbated when Kim Ji-hyun retired from the team in May against Chungbuk Cheongju FC.
The good news is that the quality of this year’s crop of signings is enough to raise expectations for next season. Song Min-kyu, who often played as a frontline striker for Jeonbuk Hyundai, joins the squad to add strength. The flanks are even stronger. Uhm Won-sang, Kim Dae-won, and Kim Joo-gong are all strikers who have performed at the highest level in the K League 1.
It’s a composition of players that makes a ‘huck’ sound. The stifling Gimcheon Commerce offense is also expected to get some breathing room next season.
One player to look forward to is Lee Young-joon. Gimcheon Commerce is aiming for promotion this season. They will need to score goals to compete for the title, which is where Lee comes in. Lee joined Kim Eun-Joong-Ho at the U-20 World Cup. He’s only made three appearances for Gimcheon Commerce this season, but he’s been on fire at the U-20 World Cup. 메이저놀이터
Lee started all four games of the U-20 World Cup, including the round of 16. It’s safe to say that Kim has established himself as a key attacker for Korea. He scored a neat header against France in the first game, then opened the scoring in the round of 16 against Ecuador, chest-trapping a ball into the box and finishing with his right foot. The 6-foot-2 striker is a versatile striker with both speed and kicking ability. If he returns with confidence from the U-20 World Cup, he could be a big boost to Gimcheon’s late-season push.
After suffering from “poverty in abundance” in the frontline positions, Gimcheon Commerce is poised to end its long struggle. Expectations are high for Lee Young-joon and the new recruits who will join the team this December.