K League 1 side Ulsan HD have confirmed that highly rated teenage defender Jung Seong-bin has completed a loan move to Austrian second-tier outfit FC Liefering, with a conditional option for a permanent transfer to Red Bull Salzburg.

In an official statement on July 4, Ulsan announced that the 18-year-old left for Austria after finalising the switch on July 3. Jung joins Liefering on a one-year loan deal that includes a buy option, marking a potential gateway to Salzburg’s elite setup.

A Pathway to the Red Bull Network

FC Liefering functions as the feeder club for Austrian Bundesliga giants Red Bull Salzburg, known for developing young talent into top-tier professionals. Jung’s move places him directly on the radar of one of Europe’s most prolific talent factories.

Ulsan revealed that the loan fee reflects “a level comparable to domestic transfers of highly rated Korean players,” and that if the buy clause is triggered, the final sum would “significantly exceed the typical transfer fees paid for foreign players in the K League.”

Jung’s Meteoric Rise

Jung Seong-bin made headlines earlier this year by becoming the youngest debutant in Ulsan’s professional history. After signing a semi-professional contract in February, he made his senior debut just six days later in an AFC Champions League Elite group stage match against Buriram United – at the age of 17 years, 9 months, and 12 days. The appearance shattered the previous club record set by Kang Min-woo.

Having long been tracked by Salzburg, Jung first caught international attention as a high school freshman in 2023 when he trained with Korea’s U17 national squad and featured in trial matches against several German academy sides – including a standout display versus Salzburg U19.

He continued his development with Hyundai High School (Ulsan’s U18 team), earned call-ups to the Korea U19s, and eventually joined Liefering’s summer trial programme in 2024. During an 18-day assessment period, Jung impressed with his aerial presence, aggressive interceptions, and ability to blend seamlessly into a multinational squad.

Farewell Message with Purpose

Before boarding his flight to Austria, Jung formally withdrew from high school and shared a heartfelt message through the club.

"Leaving home really feels real now. I'm both excited and humbled by this opportunity,” he said. “I want to grow not just as a footballer but also as a person. When I return wearing Ulsan’s blue again, I want to be ready to carry greater responsibility.”

Ulsan’s Youth Export Legacy Continues

Jung follows in the footsteps of several Ulsan youth exports. Since 2014, the club has facilitated overseas moves for players such as Hwang Moon-ki (Académica de Coimbra), Hong Hyun-seok (SpVgg Unterhaching), and Park Kyu-hyun (Werder Bremen).

Ulsan’s commitment to international development remains steadfast, and Jung Seong-bin’s Austrian journey is the latest milestone in their mission to nurture globally competitive talent.