Ulsan HD, which is losing head coach Hong Myung-bo to the national team after winning back-to-back K League 1 titles, has bolstered its roster with new signings.
The club announced the signings of midfielder Jung Woo-young and Brazilian foreign striker Yago on Monday.
Jung Woo-young is an Ulsan native who returns to Ulsan after spending his career overseas.
Born in Nam-gu, Ulsan and raised at Hakseong High School in Nam-gu, Jung made his professional debut for Kyoto Purple Sanga in Japan’s J-League in 2011 and continued his career in West Asia through Japan and China.
He played for the national team at both the FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he was a key player for former coach Paulo Bento, helping South Korea reach the round of 16.
He also had a successful career in West Asia. After moving to Qatar’s Al Sadd, he led the team to the top of the league in his first season (18-19), and then played a key role in the team’s undefeated league titles in the 20-21 and 21-22 seasons. A key player for Al Saad for five seasons until the 22-23 season, Jung ended his time in Qatar with three league titles and two King’s Cup trophies.
He also shined in Saudi Arabia. After joining Al Khaleej, Jung was a regular starter in the 2023-24 season, making 31 league appearances.
“Jung Woo-young is known for his work rate and build-up ability, as well as his excellent defensive competition,” said Ulsan. “His experience in top-level leagues and A-Match veteran status will be invaluable to Ulsan as we seek a third consecutive K League title. In addition, he has proven his ability to shoot from mid-range as a dedicated kicker for his previous teams, giving Ulsan another option in attacking situations.”
“Ulsan is my hometown,” says Jung, who graduated from Hakseong High School in Nam-gu, Ulsan, in 2007 and is returning to Ulsan for the first time in 17 years. I don’t want to be told that I have made a golden homecoming, but I want to prove it in front of the people of Ulsan and enjoy myself. I know that the Ulsan fans have been waiting for me a lot. I am also looking forward to the K League stage and have the desire to prepare 해외 카지노 사이트 well and show a good performance. I hope to greet the Cheoryong Warriors at the Munsu Football Stadium as soon as possible,” he said.
Born in 1999 and raised in Brazil, Yago has already made a name for himself in the K League with his 6-foot-4 frame and speed, which he uses to dominate opposing defenses. With 10 goals and two assists in 29 appearances for Gangwon FC last season and this season, Yago has proven his worth with the numbers.
Yago joined Gangwon in the July 2023 summer transfer window of the Korean K League 1, and while his first overseas venture at such a young age was not without its challenges, he remained steadfast and hardworking. In 2023, his first season abroad, Yago’s stat sheet reads: 1 goal, 1 assist in 11 K League 1 games, and he also played for the club’s B team, the K4 League.
Yago has surprised the K League with a completely different look in the 2024 season. With nine goals and one assist in 18 games so far this season, Yago is the K League 1’s top scorer and sixth in points, proving once again that he is a force to be reckoned with amongst the rising stars of the K League.
Ulsan said: “With his perfect adaptation to Korea and steep performance upward curve, Yago’s joining Ulsan is expected to have a great synergy effect on the player and the team. Born in 1999, Yago has endless opportunities for development and we look forward to seeing how far he will go as he progresses through the elite stages of the AFC Champions League starting in September this year and the FIFA Club World Cup next June, where Ulsan are confirmed to participate.”
“Every season, every moment, I feel like I’m on a mission to prove myself. Honestly, I feel overwhelmed and nervous, but I think these feelings are part of the excitement and I will do my best to help the team perform at its best,” he said in an interview.