Gimpo FC defender Kim Tae-han, 27, has found a new home. It’s Suwon FC, which has been transformed under coach Kim Eun-jung.
On the 22nd, an official familiar with the K League One transfer market said, “Kim Tae-han will wear a Suwon FC jersey. There will be an announcement soon.” Kim Tae-han, who will become a free agent at the end of this season, reportedly decided to join Suwon FC, which made an aggressive offer after considering staying at Gimpo and moving to another team. Until 2020, the K League had required free agents to negotiate only with their original clubs until Dec. 31 of that year, but from 2021, the rule was relaxed to allow them to freely contact all clubs six months before their contract expires under the ‘Bosman Rule’. However, the contract will officially take effect on January 1 next year.
Kim Tae-han has been one of the best kept secrets this winter. The former Hyunpungo and Hanyang University player joined Daegu FC as a rookie in 2018. He showed promise in his first year, appearing in three games. However, the following year, he only made three appearances and left Daegu at the end of 2020. In 2021, he joined Gimpo FC in the K3 League at the behest of head coach Choi Jung-woon.
The move proved to be a stroke of genius. Establishing himself as a key part of Choi’s three-back system, Kim helped Gimpo win the K3 League title in 2021. Returning to the K League in 2022 with Gimpo’s entry into the K League 2, Kim showed even more growth. In 32 games, he recorded one goal and one assist, helping Gimpo rise to the top of the table. In 2023, Kim established himself as one of the best center backs in the K League 2. He formed a three-back with Cho Sung-kwon and Park Kyung-rok, leading Gimpo to their lowest conceded goals and helping the team reach the playoffs for the first time in their history. 월카지노
With his contract expiring, there was a flurry of offers for Kim Tae-han. Gimpo tried to re-sign him with an unconventional offer. However, other teams surpassed the offer and swayed Kim’s mind. Jeonnam Dragons and Seoul Eland wanted Kim in K League 2 and Gangwon FC and Suwon FC in K League 1. While Jeonnam was the favorite, Suwon swooped in. After conceding the most goals in the 2023 season, Suwon FC was eager to sign a quality defender. After Kim Eun-joong took over, he put Kim Tae-han at the top of his list. Kim’s persuasive tactics turned the tide in his favor. Kim Tae-han, who had dreams of playing in the first division, decided to join Suwon FC. With the signing of Kim Tae-han, Suwon FC succeeded in completing the first piece of their defense puzzle.