By Yoo Jee-ho
SEOUL, March 21 (Yonhap) -- South Korean teenage winger Yoon Do-young has signed for the Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, becoming the country's latest football import to England.
Brighton announced on their website Friday that Yoon, 18, has agreed to a deal that takes him through June 2030, though financial terms were not disclosed. Yoon is currently with Daejeon Hana Citizen FC in South Korea's K League 1 and will join Brighton on July 1, when the summer transfer window opens.
The Premier League team noted that Yoon is expected to be loaned out next season.
South Korean winger Yoon Do-young poses with the shirt for Brighton & Hove Albion after signing for the Premier League club, in this photo captured from Brighton's website on March 21, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Yoon, a member of the South Korean men's under-20 national team, has been linked to Brighton since early this year. He recorded a goal and three assists in 19 matches for Daejeon last year and has logged three matches so far this season, without any goal involvement.
David Weir, Brighton's technical director, said Yoon is "widely regarded as one of the best young talents in Asia."
"We will be watching closely as he continues his development in the South Korean League through until the summer, and then look to find a suitable loan for him next season," Weir was quoted as saying on the team's website.
Brighton are in seventh place in the Premier League this season with 47 points, having won four of their past five matches.
In a statement released by Daejeon Hana Citizen, Yoon expressed his love for both the club and their home city of Daejeon, located some 140 kilometers south of Seoul.
"I've been able to develop and grow so much as a player thanks to Daejeon Hana Citizen," Yoon said. "I've lived in Daejeon since middle school and I love the city so much. I will never forget all the love and support from my fans, and I will try to make the Daejeon football club proud."
This image captured from Brighton & Hove Albion's website on March 21, 2025, shows the Premier League club's new South Korean player, Yoon Do-young. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
jeeho@yna.co.kr
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