On February 22nd, an explosive news spread rapidly in the soccer circle: POSCO's captain Kang Sang-woo, a star who had been coveted by many teams, finally chose Beijing Guoan. The transfer took several twists and turns, and it was breathtaking. According to a report by Korean media outlet footballist, Kang originally agreed with Jeonbuk Hyundai, but eventually returned to Beijing Guoan due to salary issues. After understanding the environment of the Chinese Super League, Kang Xiangyou once rejected Guoan, but after the salary issue with Jeonbuk Hyundai fell apart, he once again chose Guoan.
With the Chinese Super League set to kick off in late April, Kang Sang-woo will be in South Korea to complete his medical checkup and visa procedures. It is worth mentioning that he was originally expected to join Jeonbuk Hyundai, but the two clubs failed to agree on contract terms. After the transfer negotiations between Jeonbuk Hyundai and Kang Xiangyou broke down, Guoan quickly stepped in and became his new owner.
It was during Kang's preparation for the World Qualifier that Guoan's offer moved him, but Jeonbuk Hyundai did not give up. Kang also inquired about Korean players playing in the Chinese Super League, and after learning about the unstable environment of the Chinese Super League, he once again expressed his willingness to join Jeonbuk Hyundai. However, after the World Cup, Kang finally chose to stay in Pohang and had one last negotiation with Jeonbuk Hyundai, but the two sides failed to reach an agreement.
Jeonbuk Hyundai said in their announcement that they could not fully trust the player due to Kang Sang-woo's simultaneous transfer negotiations with another club. POSCO, on the other hand, said that Kang was still a POSCO player until his contract was signed. Kang himself was tight-lipped on the matter, but after his relationship with Jeonbuk Hyundai broke down, he contacted Guoan again, and POSCO was ready for Kang's transfer.
It is reported that three K-League players joined Chinese Super League teams in this year's winter window market. Suwon Samsung captain Kim Dae-gyu joined Chengdu Rongcheng, Kangwon FC defender Lim Sung-soo transferred to Shenzhen team, and now Kang Sang-woo will also join the Chinese Super League. The Korean media pointed out that the environment of the Chinese Super League is in a recession, and teams are restricted in attraction costs and player wages, so cost-effective Korean players have become the target of attraction.
