Red Star Belgrade defender has €5.5m buy-out clause as Blades weigh up move

Sheffield United manager Rubén Sellés has admitted to monitoring South Korean right-back Seol Young-woo, as the Championship side consider strengthening their defensive ranks before the close of the summer window.

Seol, currently playing for Red Star Belgrade, has emerged as one of the club’s top targets amid concerns over depth in key positions. With Seriki Femi the only natural right-back and a shortage of centre-halves — Bindon Tyler and Robinson Jack being the only recognised options — United are actively pursuing reinforcements capable of playing across the back line.

“I've been watching him” – Sellés

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s league opener against Bristol City, Sellés confirmed Seol is among the players on his radar, though stopped short of indicating any imminent move.

“I've been watching him a little bit but it's nothing more concrete than any other player,” said the Spaniard.
“We have been looking at different players in that position and I know a little bit about him. But I’m not ready to make analysis about him at this moment in time.”

The 26-year-old Seol was reportedly scouted by United during Red Star’s Champions League qualifying clash away at Lech Poznan earlier this week — a tie the Serbian champions lead 3-1 ahead of next week’s second leg in Belgrade.

Price tag set — but Red Star hope for silence

Reports from Serbia suggest that United have allocated an initial €3 million for Seol, with the potential for a further €1 million in bonuses. However, Red Star are said to be holding out for the €5.5 million (£5m) buy-out clause embedded in the defender’s contract.

According to Mozzart Sport, Red Star consider Seol "irreplaceable" — an increasingly rare label in modern football economics.

“Almost every player is for sale at the right price, whether the club is called Red Star, Manchester United or Spartak Subotica. But there are moments when someone is simply irreplaceable.

Seol Young-woo is one of those, for this Red Star team.”

The outlet went on to describe the Korean international as “a soldier on guard” who “defends the right side of the pitch firmly,” highlighting his composed performance in Poznan, where he was the only domestic player in Red Star’s back four.

Will Seol decide?

While Red Star hope no formal offer materialises before the transfer window closes, the club has acknowledged that any bid meeting the €5.5m release clause would force their hand.

Ultimately, the final decision may rest with Seol himself. If Sheffield United do meet the clause, Red Star would be powerless to prevent a move — and all eyes will be on whether the South Korean international chooses to make the leap to English football.

As the Blades prepare for their promotion push, Seol’s experience, versatility, and understated defensive steel could prove a valuable addition — if they’re willing to meet the price.