Ex-Newcastle Midfielder Ki Sung-yueng Set for Pohang Switch After Falling Out of Favour at FC Seoul
Former Newcastle United and Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is on the verge of joining K League title contenders Pohang Steelers, in a move that signals the end of his second spell with FC Seoul. The 36-year-old, widely regarded as one of South Korea’s greatest midfielders, has reportedly agreed terms with Pohang and is now only waiting to put pen to paper.
Ki’s exit from FC Seoul gathers pace
Multiple sources familiar with the domestic transfer scene in South Korea have confirmed that negotiations between FC Seoul and Pohang have reached an advanced stage. All major contractual terms have reportedly been settled, leaving only the final signatures pending.
The former Premier League midfielder has struggled to secure playing time this season under Seoul manager Kim Gi-dong. Despite recovering from a recent muscle injury and impressing in a friendly with a stunning long-range goal, Ki was left out of the squad for last week’s 1-1 draw against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
Kim, when asked about Ki’s omission, noted that the veteran had resumed full training but continued to monitor his physical condition. However, Jeonbuk’s manager Gustavo Poyet — who previously coached Ki at Sunderland — offered a more candid assessment: “Seoul’s bench is incredibly strong. If Ki Sung-yueng can’t even make it there, maybe he’s ready to play elsewhere.”
From European tours to domestic crossroads
Ki began his professional career at FC Seoul in 2006 before moving to Celtic in 2009. Over the next decade, he established himself in European football, turning out for Sunderland, Swansea, Newcastle, and Mallorca. After returning to Seoul in 2020, his homecoming was initially celebrated, but recent seasons have seen his role diminished.
This year, Seoul have invested heavily in reshaping their squad but currently sit sixth in the table, underperforming relative to expectations. With younger midfielders such as Ryu Jae-moon and Hwang Do-yoon preferred, Ki found himself out of the first-team picture.
Pohang’s ambition and Ki’s final chapter
Pohang, currently fourth in the K League standings, view Ki’s experience and leadership as invaluable assets for the title run-in. The club has been active in the market, and Ki’s arrival would mark a statement of intent.
Ki’s résumé speaks for itself: over 100 international caps, 10 goals for South Korea, and appearances at three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018). His calmness on the ball, ability to dictate tempo, and vision in midfield made him a standout player both domestically and in Europe.
Though his playing time at Seoul dwindled, few doubt his ability to contribute at a high level. With the move to Pohang nearly finalized, Ki may yet have a meaningful role to play in one last push for silverware before closing out a storied career.