Lee Dong-kyung is back. He’ll be adding wings to the front-running Ulsan Hyundai.
“As of yesterday, Lee Dong-kyung’s registration with the Korea Football Association and the Korea Professional Football League has been completed,” an Ulsan official said on Sunday. Lee returned to Ulsan on June 15. He was able to digest the team’s training and get fit. Even though he was a member of Ulsan, he was not allowed to play. The transfer market opened and she had to register to play. Once the registration process was finalized, Lee was able to play for Ulsan.
Lee came up through the ranks of Hyundai Middle and Hyundai High. He joined Ulsan in 2018 and played one game before going on loan to FC Anyang. In 2019, he got his chance in earnest. Playing both as a starter and a substitute, Lee impressed with his ball handling skills and his sharp kicks and shots. As he started more and more games as a substitute, there were calls for him to become a starter.
Lee gradually increased his playing time and became a key part of Ulsan’s defense. In the 2021 season, he scored six goals and provided three assists in 28 K League 1 matches, the most offensive points in his professional career. As he grew into a national team resource, Lee increased his value and dreamed of reaching Europe.
He went on loan to German giants Schalke. He spent the second half of the 2021-22 season on loan, with a permanent deal dependent on his performance. Schalke were in the German second division and had been promoted to the Bundesliga. Schalke were full of joy and celebration, but Lee was not smiling. He suffered a metatarsal fracture and was out of action for a long time. It was painful because he was on the bench.
After signing an extended loan deal with Schalke, Lee tried to get back on the field but was unsuccessful. After his contract with Schalke was terminated, he headed to Hanseatic Rostock in the German second division, again on loan. In Rostock, Lee failed to find a place. After another disappointing season in Rostock, Lee returned to Ulsan.
Despite not playing much in Germany and suffering from injuries, Lee is a solid addition to the team. Right now, Ulsan is at its best. After 20 games, they are sitting atop the table with 50 points and are the top scorers with a whopping 44 goals. Their offense is in top form with In-Joo Gyu, Bako, and Martin Adam. Their defense is also solid, which makes them even stronger. 토토체험머니
Lee has the ability to release the attack from the center of the field and lead the way, as well as contribute with accurate passes to the strikers. With Lee Dong-kyung in the mix, Ulsan’s second line will be even more devastating. Naturally, the front line with In-Joo Gyu and Martin Adam will also get a boost. In other words, Ulsan’s offense will be even stronger than it already is.
It’s an East Coast derby. The Pohang Steelers are currently in second place in the standings, as they’ve shown a knack for picking up points even when they’re dealing with a lot of injuries. It’s a head-to-head matchup between two rivals at the top of their game. The atmosphere is electric. It’s already sold out.
It’s unclear if Lee will play. “In theory, there’s no problem, but he’s not in perfect condition yet, so I can’t say for sure,” said an Ulsan official. The return of Lee Dong-kyung will add another layer of intrigue to the East Coast derby. Ulsan fans can’t wait to see him back on the field.
Meanwhile, when asked about the Park Yong-woo transfer speculation ahead of the East Coast derby, Ulsan officials said, “There is no decision.” Park Yong-woo, who has been embroiled in racism controversies, is the centerpiece of Ulsan’s midfield. The Ulsan fans, who cheered when Lee Dong-kyung came in, are also anxiously awaiting the transfer of Park Yong-woo.