Exclusive: Jeon Jin-woo can be West Brom success as insider shares transfer reality
West Brom target Jeon Jin-woo could be the next South Korean sensation to light up English football.
Ryan Mason is looking to bolster his squad as he pushes for a Premier League return, but he needs top-quality additions to do so.
The 25-year-old is the top goalscorer in the K League with 12 goals in 20 matches and has also notched three assists for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
He has been personally recommended to Mason by Tottenham star Son Heung-min.
West Brom move for Jin-woo is unlikely
West Brom made a £1million bid for Jin-woo, and he was keen on a move to Europe, according to Football Asian (15 July).
However, Jeonbuk officials have acknowledged the offer, but it is a small window for them to find a replacement due to the Korean transfer window closing on July 24. [MBC News]
Korean football insider Joel Kim believes that a deal is not likely to happen at this point, but if it did, he has backed Jin-Woo to succeed in the Championship.
Speaking exclusively to West Brom News, he said: “It’s possible, but right now I personally get the sense that it’s unlikely.
“In terms of physicality, he’s a bit older and physically developed than our younger guys in Eom and Bae, so that should help- but he undoubtedly will experience growing pains adapting to the pace and physicality of the league.
“But given time, yes, he’s got a fair chance as any Korean star who’s playing in England to be successful.”
Jin-woo could push through West Brom move
It seems like the only way for Jin-woo to move to Albion is if he is willing to force through a move by demanding to leave.
If he can translate his form from his home nation to the second-tier, he could be a revelation at The Hawthorns.
| Stats (K League) | Jin-woo |
| Matches | 20 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Minutes played | 1,514 |
At such a low price point, it is definitely a gamble worth taking for Shilen Patel and Co., if they can negotiate a decent deal for the two-cap international.
Son has succeeded at Spurs, and has also brought a huge boost in supporters from South Korea, and commercial revenues in turn.
The Baggies could experience the same benefit if they could get a deal over the line.
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