Minnesota Reject Malmö FF’s Bid for Jeong Sang-bin Amid Green Card Considerations

2025-06-12 Han, June

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - MARCH 22: Jeong Sang-Bin #7 of Minnesota United dribbles the ball against Julián Aude #3 of Los Angeles Galaxy in the second half at Allianz Field on March 22, 2025 in St Paul, Minnesota. Los Angeles Galaxy and Minnesota United played to a 2-2 draw. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Minnesota United have turned down an offer from Swedish giants Malmö FF for South Korean forward Jeong Sang-bin, citing his ongoing green card process as the primary reason for stalling any transfer negotiations.

According to Tom Bogert, a reputable American football journalist, Minnesota are currently assisting Jeong in obtaining a United States green card, a move that could increase his market value within Major League Soccer due to domestic player status exemptions.

Jeong, who joined Minnesota in 2023 following a stint with Suwon Samsung Bluewings and a brief European adventure, had a solid 2024 MLS season, scoring six goals and registering three assists in 32 appearances. However, the 22-year-old has struggled to secure regular playing time this year. As of Round 17 of the 2025 season, Jeong has featured in 11 matches but has started only twice and is yet to record a goal or an assist.

Jeong Sang-Bin / Minnesota United

Jeong with the South Korea U23 team, which failed to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics—an event that could have provided a potential pathway to military exemption. Earlier this year, top K League 1 sides including Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Ulsan HD FC expressed interest in repatriating the forward, but negotiations fell through due to disagreements over the transfer fee.

Now, with the European summer window open, Malmö have stepped up as serious suitors for Jeong. Yet, Minnesota believe that securing a green card could significantly enhance his value within MLS, especially if he were to be transferred domestically. Sources suggest the club anticipates a more lucrative deal later this year, should the green card process conclude successfully.

Jeong's current contract runs until December 2025, with Minnesota holding a one-year extension option, giving the club flexibility to retain or sell the player on favourable terms.

Born in 2002, Jeong is required to fulfil his mandatory military service by 2027. While he may technically defer enlistment until the age of 37 by remaining overseas, this path would rule him out of national team selection and preclude commercial activities in South Korea. His final chance to earn military exemption could come at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Next year, Jeong would be 24—making him eligible only as one of the squad’s three overage players, should he be selected by head coach Kim Eun-jung. With so much at stake both on and off the pitch, Jeong’s future remains delicately poised.