A general view of the club badge on the side of the West Stand during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on May 11, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
A general view of the club badge on the side of the West Stand during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James Park on May 11, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Reports of Newcastle United closing in on a deal have been refuted.
Newcastle United have not yet agreed a deal to sign South Korean teenager Park Seung-soo.
That’s according to Suwon Samsung Bluewings manager Byun Sung-hwa, who has refuted suggestions that his forward is close to joining the Magpies.
Reputable sources in South Korea claimed that was indeed the case that month but Sung-hwa says several clubs are showing interest. Park previously had trials at Bayern Munich and has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Park Seung-soo not close to joining Newcastle United
"If he goes, I wish I could go with him, too," boss Sung-hwan joked in comments translated by KNTFootball. "From a coach’s standpoint, I haven’t received any official information from the club.
"It’s true that several teams are showing interest in Park Seung-soo but, unlike what’s being reported, nothing has been decided or set in motion yet.
"He’s definitely drawing attention and the club is also thinking carefully about how well he can develop and adapt. I’m thinking about that, too. As of now, the fact is that nothing has been finalised."
Newcastle United are visiting South Korea this summer
It was also reported that Newcastle hoped to finalise a deal for the 18-year-old in time for the visit to Seoul later this month. Eddie Howe’s side face Arsenal in Singapore first before heading to Seoul to face the K-League All-Stars and Tottenham.
Park’s inclusion would maximise the interest of the locals but such scenario appears unlikely based on Sung-hwa’s comments.
Newcastle United chief commercial officer comments on South Korea
United face the K League All-Stars - a squad consisting of the best players from South Korea’s domestic league - on Wednesday, July 30 at Suwon World Cup Stadium (kick-off 8pm KST). Howe’s men then go up against Tottenham at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Sunday, August 3 (kick-off 8pm KST).
Speaking ahead of the tour, Newcastle chief commercial officer Peter Silverstone said: "We are proud to be bringing Newcastle United to South Korea for the first time as part of the Coupang Play Series.
Read More
“Coupang Play recently became the Premier League’s official broadcast partner in South Korea so this series is a fantastic opportunity to connect with passionate fans in the region and showcase our amazing club.
“Two high-profile matches hosted at first-class facilities will provide unforgettable experiences for both local and traveling fans, while supporting preparations of the squad during an important period of pre-season.”
Continue Reading