Min-su Kim Rejects Granada and Mirandés to Prioritise Development with FC Andorra

Despite interest from some of LaLiga2’s most ambitious clubs, South Korean winger Min-su Kim has chosen to join FC Andorra on loan from Girona FC for the 2025–26 season, citing the need for consistent playing time and a carefully mapped development plan.

The 19-year-old, who made his first-team debut for Girona in LaLiga last season and featured in both the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League, had attracted attention from multiple clubs in Spain and abroad. Granada CF, recently relegated from LaLiga, and Mirandés, who finished fourth in Segunda División last term, were among those who expressed strong interest. However, Kim and Girona agreed that Andorra offered the most suitable environment for his continued growth.

FC Andorra confirmed the deal on 15 July with a video showing Korean flags across the city and a warm welcome message that read: “If Kim succeeds, the club succeeds.” The loan includes specific contractual guarantees regarding his playing time—an essential factor for both the player and Girona, given the challenges he has faced under Spain’s non-EU player registration rules.

From Catalan Roots to European Debut

Although born in South Korea, Kim’s footballing education has been entirely shaped in Catalonia. Girona signed him from youth side CF Damm three years ago, and since then he has rapidly progressed through the ranks to reach the first-team setup.

While primarily featuring for Girona B in Spain’s fifth tier last season, Kim played a pivotal role in helping the team earn promotion to the fourth division. His performances earned him several call-ups to the senior squad, culminating in a memorable LaLiga debut against Las Palmas in Montilivi, and subsequent appearances in domestic and European competitions, including the Champions League fixture against PSV.

In the UEFA Youth League, Kim made four appearances, scoring against Feyenoord and assisting on PSG’s home turf. These experiences, though limited in number, underscored his readiness for a consistent role in a professional first-team environment.

Why Not Granada or Mirandés?

The decision to turn down Granada and Mirandés wasn’t taken lightly. Both clubs offered the allure of a higher competitive level and a more prominent platform. But with fierce competition for places and limited guarantees over playing time—particularly as a non-EU player—Kim and his representatives chose caution over ambition.

Girona’s own experience with Spain’s non-EU player restrictions played a crucial role. Despite earning first-team minutes when Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk left the squad, Kim found himself sidelined again once new non-EU players such as Arthur Melo were registered mid-season. The scenario mirrored that of former Girona midfielder Paik Seung-ho, who had to leave the club in 2019 due to similar constraints after their relegation to Segunda División.

FC Andorra, though also bound by the same regulations, provided assurances of a first-team role across the season. That guarantee, coupled with a development-focused environment under newly appointed head coach Ibai Gómez, proved decisive.

Why Andorra Made Sense

While FC Andorra compete in the Spanish second division, the club represents the tiny principality nestled in the Pyrenees between France and Spain. Much like AS Monaco's participation in France’s Ligue 1, Andorra bring a unique identity to the Spanish professional pyramid.

Owned previously by Barcelona legend Gerard Piqué, the club rose from Spain’s lower divisions to reach LaLiga2 in 2022. Though relegated last year, they bounced back immediately and are now seeking stability and long-term progress under Gómez, a former Athletic Club winger who at 35 brings modern ideas and a keen eye for youth development.

Andorra’s close cultural and linguistic ties with Catalonia—where Kim grew up—alongside its quieter environment and proximity to Girona, also made it a compelling destination. From Girona’s perspective, the move allows their youth development staff to monitor his progress closely.

A Coach’s Project and a Player’s Timing

Ibai Gómez specifically requested Kim’s arrival, valuing his technical quality, work rate, and adaptability in high-press systems. The coach envisions Kim as a creative wide player capable of unlocking defences while also contributing to the team’s collective structure—a key part of Andorra’s promotion ambitions.

The loan represents a major step for Kim. Jumping directly from Spain’s fifth tier to LaLiga2 is no small feat. Yet rather than seek prestige, he chose a club that believes in him and is committed to providing the platform he needs at this critical stage of his career.

Just hours after the transfer was announced, Kim joined Andorra’s first pre-season training session under Gómez, signalling the start of his first full season as a professional footballer.

For both club and player, this loan is more than just a move—it’s a calculated investment in long-term success.