‘Pohang Messi’ Lee Gwang-hyeok (27) changed into a Suwon FC uniform.
According to multiple officials familiar with the Pohang Steelers situation on the 15th, Lee Kwang-hyeok, who became a free agent (FA) at the end of this year, changed his uniform to Suwon FC.
It is a transfer that has been completed in half a year. Suwon FC attempted to recruit Lee Kwang-hyeok this summer. It was a triangle trade structure. Suwon FC recruited Lee Kwang-hyeok and sent Yang Dong-hyun to the K-League 2 (2nd division) Ansan Greeners, while Pohang tried to bring in Canyotu, a foreign striker from Ansan. However, the triangular trade collapsed when Ansan, which changed its division and general manager through the June 1st local elections, did not recruit Yang Dong-hyun. Suwon FC, which lacked a playmaker to put a kill pass in the front, could not embrace Lee Kwang-hyeok, and Pohang could not replace the sluggish foreign striker Moses Ogbu.
However, Suwon FC coach Kim Do-kyun sent a love call to ‘FA’ Lee Kwang-hyeok and succeeded in recruiting him, and he was able to fill the gap between Kim Seung-jun and Lee Ki-hyeok, who moved to Pohang and Jeju. 스포츠토토
Lee Kwang-hyeok is short at 1m69, but has been called the ‘Pohang Messi’ since his days at Pohang Jecheol High School with his fast speed, extraordinary soccer sense, and strong left-footed shooting ability. In 2014, Lee Kwang-hyeok, who wore a Pohang uniform as a priority nomination, drew attention as a ‘super rookie’. But his injuries got in the way. He injured the cruciate ligament in his knee. Even after that, muscle and ankle injuries were frequent. At least it was 2017 when we had a decent season. He made 30 appearances, recording 1 goal and 6 assists. However, in February of last year, he was again haunted by a major injury. He ruptured his left Achilles tendon during winter training and missed the entire 2021 season.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Pohang coach Kim Ki-dong gave Lee Kwang-hyuk special management. He was concerned about the recurrence of an Achilles tendon injury sustained last year. And he showed faith. Coach Kim started Lee Kwang-hyeok in the season opener against Jeju on February 20th. At that time, Lee Kwang-hyeok sent a long letter to coach Kim after the game. The content was a heart of gratitude to coach Kim who gave consideration and opportunity to play his comeback match.
Lee Kwang-hyeok is still young. It is his first transfer in his life, but if he overcomes his injury, he is expected to be able to revive again under coach Kim Do-gyun, the ‘Rehabilitation Plant Manager’.