Ulsan HD FC are making strategic moves in the transfer market as they prepare for their historic participation in the revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States – and Australian international Miloš Degenek is now firmly on their radar.

As reported by Serbian outlet Mozzart Sport, Degenek has received a formal offer from the K League champions, who are seeking to bolster their backline ahead of a demanding summer campaign. The 30-year-old, currently on international duty with Australia, has informed his club, TSC Bačka Topola, of Ulsan’s approach and is expected to make a decision after his national team commitments.

For Degenek, a move to Ulsan would represent a return to Asian football after previous spells with Yokohama F. Marinos and Al Hilal. His experience, physical presence, and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset for Ulsan as they look to compete against some of the world’s most storied clubs.

Ulsan’s Group: A Summer of Giants

Ulsan HD FC have been drawn into Group F at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, where they will face three continental powerhouses:

• Fluminense (Brazil) – 2023 Copa Libertadores champions

• Borussia Dortmund (Germany) – 2024 UEFA Champions League finalists

• Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) – CAF Champions League winners

Here is Ulsan’s confirmed group-stage schedule:

• 17 June 2025 – Ulsan HD FC vs. Mamelodi Sundowns
  Venue: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando
  Kick-off: 18:00 local time

• 21 June 2025 – Fluminense vs. Ulsan HD FC
  Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
  Kick-off: 18:00 local time

• 25 June 2025 – Borussia Dortmund vs. Ulsan HD FC
  Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
  Kick-off: 15:00 local time

Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16, setting the stage for high-stakes clashes right from the opening whistle. Ulsan will need to be at their very best – and the potential addition of Miloš Degenek could be key in navigating this formidable group.

TSC Facing Summer Exodus?

Back in Serbia, TSC Bačka Topola are bracing for a squad overhaul following a turbulent campaign. While they enjoyed a memorable run in European competition, their domestic season ended in disappointment, missing out on continental qualification after a 4-0 defeat to Radnički Kragujevac.

Alongside Degenek, young centre-back Mateja Đorđević is reportedly attracting interest from MLS side Columbus Crew, while winger Petar Stanić is being pursued by Sevilla, Vancouver Whitecaps, Red Star Belgrade, and a club from Turkey. Swiss clubs are also circling around attacking midfielder Miloš Pantović.

TSC’s management have already begun internal discussions on how to reassemble the squad and return to European football next season.
 

High Stakes in the USA

For Ulsan, however, the focus is on immediate glory. The Club World Cup, expanded to feature 32 teams for the first time, offers Asian clubs an unprecedented platform to prove their quality on the global stage. With Manchester City and Monterrey both boasting elite-level squads, Ulsan’s margin for error is slim.

The addition of a seasoned international like Degenek could prove decisive.

Their target is clear: survive the group, shock the world.

And if Miloš Degenek dons the blue of Ulsan in June, he may well be at the centre of one of Asian football’s great summer stories.