Lee Han-beom Considers Summer Transfer After Breakthrough at Midtjylland

As FC Midtjylland continue their chase for the Danish Superliga title, South Korean defender Lee Han-beom has emerged as one of the most unexpected heroes of the season’s final stretch. After two years of limited opportunities, the 21-year-old center-back has finally broken into the first team—and now, with confidence restored and his form peaking, Lee is openly considering a summer transfer.

In an exclusive interview with Tipsbladet, Denmark’s leading football publication, Lee spoke candidly about the mental toll of prolonged bench time and how close he came to leaving the club this past winter.

“It’s been a really difficult time,” Lee admitted. “I lost motivation and joy because I wasn’t playing. Football was draining, so I tried to keep my spirits up outside of it.”

Having made only one Superliga start in his first season—ironically as a full-back in a dramatic 3-2 victory over AGF days after teammate Kristoffer Olsson’s medical collapse—Lee’s second campaign didn’t start much differently. He made brief appearances against Lyngby, Sønderjyske, and Viborg, but remained far from a regular starter.

His breakthrough came late this spring when teammate Ousmane Diao was suspended. Thrust into the starting XI against FC Nordsjælland, Lee impressed in a stunning 5-0 win. Yet what surprised him even more was being selected again the following week, even after Diao’s return.

“When I was told I would start against FC Nordsjælland, I was honestly nervous,” Lee told Tipsbladet. “I hadn’t played in a very long time. I had asked Diao how tough the previous match was, and he said it had been really difficult. That only made me more anxious. But after ten minutes on the pitch, I calmed down. We played well and created many chances.”

 

His strong performances have not only earned him playing time but also rekindled transfer interest. Lee revealed that he received offers from clubs in Germany and Croatia during the winter transfer window, and was ready to move on in search of more minutes.

“I tried to leave. But the club said they planned to use me, that my time would come. I was frustrated—they said no to a move even though I wasn’t playing,” said Lee.
“They told me, ‘Sorry, you have to wait. We will play you.’ I understood, especially because we only had three center-backs. But personally, it was really difficult.”

Now, with Midtjylland set to face Randers this Sunday in a must-win clash to keep their title hopes alive—they trail FCK by just a point—Lee is focusing on the present, while leaving his future open-ended.

“I hope to play again, but I don’t know what will happen. We want to become champions, but we shouldn’t think too much about FCK. We just need to do our job—win, and then see what happens.”

Looking ahead to the summer, Lee is clear on one thing: he wants to play a full season.

“That’s what I’m discussing with the club—how I can get there. Because that’s what I want.”

Lee Han-beom joined FC Midtjylland from FC Seoul in August 2023, arriving with experience from South Korea’s youth national teams but limited senior minutes in Europe. His recent rise may now serve as a springboard for a career reset—whether in Denmark or elsewhere.

As his contract situation and summer plans remain under discussion, one thing is certain: Lee’s patience and perseverance have finally paid off, and the football world is starting to take notice.