Minnesota United has signed a new central midfielder, while its pursuit of another remains ongoing.
The Loons announced Saturday the addition of 24-year-old South Korean Hoyeon Jung to a three-year contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028. United’s transfer fee to Korean club Gwangju is just north of $1 million, a source told the Pioneer Press.
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Meanwhile, the Loons’ efforts to bring in 21-year-old French midfielder Owen Gene have not reached completion, a source said. This is contrary to recent reports that his move to the U.S. is imminent.
In mid-January, the fee to bring in Gene, who plays for Amiens in Ligue 2, was believed to be between $1.5 and $2 million. If the Loons bring in Gene, he would be eligible for the Under-22 Initiative.
The MLS primary transfer window began Friday and goes through April 23.
Adding reinforcements in the Loons’ midfield was among the club’s biggest offseason goals, and that was before veteran midfielder Hassani Dotson requested a trade from Minnesota last week.
Loons chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad described Jung in a news release as “versatile and dynamic. … We look forward to seeing his impact with our team this season, along with his continued growth in this new chapter of his professional career.”
Jung, who could be a central or defensive midfielder, scored three goals and provided 14 assists in 113 appearances from 2022-25. In 2023, he was named Young Player of the Year in K League 1.
“I am excited for this new challenge and grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside the team,” Jung said in a statement. “I will do my best to contribute and develop as a player in this new environment.”
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Jung has played for South Korea’s senior national team as well as its Under-23 and Olympic squads. He was on the U23 team that won the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games.
Jung, who will occupy an international roster spot, was in Minnesota for the Timberwolves game on Saturday night. But he will need to leave the U.S. for his work visa before being eligible to play for Loons.
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