Bringing In Ki Sung-Yueng Is Smart Business From Newcastle United

Newcastle United have announced the signing of Ki Sung-Yeung from recently relegated Swansea City.

The Toon have acted quickly to tie the South Korean international down after he arrived back in England following his nation’s elimination from this summer’s World Cup. The timing seemed to outfox AC Milan, Everton and West Ham United, who were also said to be interested in signing the midfielder.

I’m extremely sure that the deal will make current Magpies boss Rafael Benitez happy as Ki is the type of player that Rafa likes having in his side.

The twenty-nine year old has been playing in the English Premier League for the last six seasons and was at Celtic for the three years prior to his move to Wales, the Toon boss will appreciate that experience.

The Spaniard will also like the fact that the Korean is nice and composed on the ball, he doesn’t fluster easily even under pressure. His ball retention is very good, last season he had a 88% passing success rate with a relegated side in England’s top flight. At the World Cup, Sung-Yeung had a 90% passing success rate.

The central midfielder has a cultured left foot, it can find forwards and it can fire shots in at distance. He scored fourteen league goals with the Swans and created at least eight assists.

Defensively he averaged more tackles per game at the World Cup than he did in the Premier League last season. His main strength from a defensive point of view is his ability to intercept balls. He’s a player that also has high concentration levels.

For me, Ki has plenty of attributes that are similar to Xabi Alonso (albeit not to the same standard) and having those attributes will have peaked Benitez’s interest.

The Newcastle gaffer also stated that he admired Sung-Yeung’s leadership qualities:

“I’m pleased to welcome Ki to the club,”

“He is the captain of his country, a good character and he will be a good addition to the squad.”

To get such a classy, composed and reliable midfielder like Ki Sung-Yeung on a free transfer is a great move from Newcastle Utd.

The support should be happy with their new signing but they’ll also be hoping that the Toon board offer Rafa Benitez more funds to make sure they can have the best season possible next term.

Posted on July 6th, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article

Comments are closed.

« »

  • Search