Jung Seong-Bin Joins FC Liefering on Loan with Potential Red Bull Salzburg Pathway
Liefering Signs Jung Seong-Bin with Salzburg Switch in Sight
Korean teenage sensation Jung Seong-Bin has joined FC Liefering on a one-year loan deal from Ulsan HD, in a move that mirrors the early European steps once taken by current Wolves forward Hwang Hee-Chan. The 18-year-old centre-back becomes the latest young talent to enter the Red Bull football system, with an option for a future permanent transfer to Red Bull Salzburg, Football-Asian.com understands.
A Salzburg-Backed Move with Long-Term Ambitions
Liefering, Red Bull Salzburg’s second-tier affiliate in the Austrian Bundesliga 2, confirmed on Monday:
“The 18-year-old central defender Jung Seong-Bin joins from the FIFA Club World Cup participant Ulsan HD on a season-long loan.”
The deal, however, runs deeper than a standard loan. According to Football-Asian.com, the agreement includes a clause that could see Jung make a permanent switch to Salzburg, should he impress during his spell in Liefering’s ranks. Sources indicate the Austrian giants have been monitoring the Korean youth international since early 2023, and made multiple scouting trips before striking a deal shortly after Jung turned 18.
From Hyundai High to Europe
Jung, a left-footed centre-back standing at 192cm, has been widely regarded as one of South Korea’s most promising defensive prospects. Developed at Ulsan Hyundai High School, one of Korea’s premier football academies, he featured for national teams at U16, U17, U18, and U19 level — often playing above his age group.
Earlier this year, he signed a semi-professional contract with Ulsan HD and made his senior debut in February against Buriram United in the AFC Champions League Elite, becoming the club’s youngest ever debutant at 17 years and 9 months.
Though he didn’t yet feature in the K League, Jung was highly coveted across Europe. Clubs including Sporting CP and TSG Hoffenheim expressed interest, but Red Bull Salzburg’s long-term vision and developmental reputation proved decisive.
Following the Hwang Hee-Chan Model
Jung’s career path now closely follows that of Hwang Hee-Chan, who joined Salzburg in 2014 and was immediately loaned to Liefering to adjust to European football. Hwang flourished and eventually became a regular for Salzburg before moving on to RB Leipzig and later the Premier League.
The Red Bull group views Liefering as a stepping stone for elite youth prospects, and Salzburg reportedly intends to integrate Jung into first-team training sessions throughout the season, echoing their approach with Hwang.
A Proven Platform for Stars
Red Bull Salzburg’s reputation for developing global talent is well established. Erling Haaland, Sadio Mané, and Takumi Minamino are just some of the names who honed their skills at Salzburg before moving to Europe’s biggest clubs. Jung now finds himself on that same pathway.
Salzburg, who have won the Austrian Bundesliga 10 times in a row since 2014, maintain a robust scouting network in Asia. Past Korean players include Seo Jung-Won, Hwang Hee-Chan, and Kim Jung-Min, all of whom spent formative years at the club.
Liefering’s Broader Squad Updates
In the same announcement, Liefering also confirmed the signing of Benedict Scharner from Hellas Verona U20 and the contract extension of Rüstü Erdogan through to 2026. Jung joins a young, development-focused squad with a clear route to the top.