Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa are reportedly among a number of Premier League clubs vying for the signature of 18-year-old South Korean talent Do-young Yun, who currently plies his trade with Daejeon Hana Citizen. The young forward has attracted considerable interest from several top-flight teams in England, with preliminary discussions regarding a potential transfer already underway.
Recent reports from The Mirror, corroborated by South Korean media, suggest that Brighton currently holds a favourable position in the race to secure Yun’s services. This interest follows the club's successful acquisition of Kaoru Mitoma from Kawasaki Frontale for £2.7 million in 2021, a move that has proven to be a shrewd investment. However, it has also emerged that Yun's agents were spotted at Aston Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground earlier this week, indicating that negotiations with the Midlands club are in progress. The presence of competing interest from other European clubs adds further complexity to the situation.
Yun, who has represented South Korea at the U20 level, enjoyed a standout season, contributing four goals and six assists across all competitions. His impressive performances mark him as a promising prospect for any club looking to enhance their attacking options. Notably, Yun's agents also represent another emerging talent, 18-year-old winger Yang Min-hyeok, who made a move to Tottenham Hotspur from Gangwon FC earlier this year after an agreement was reached in the previous summer.
In addition to Brighton and Villa, Chelsea has been monitoring Yun closely, while Wolverhampton Wanderers have also been linked with a potential move in recent months. The left-footed attacker made a significant impact during his debut K League 1 season, averaging over six dribbles per 90 minutes with a success rate of around 40 per cent. In 2024, he became the youngest player to represent Daejeon Hana Citizen at the first-team level, further underscoring his potential.
The influx of East Asian players, particularly from South Korea and Japan, into European football has surged in recent years. Clubs like Celtic have been at the forefront of this trend, successfully signing talents such as Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Daizen Maeda. Championship clubs are also beginning to pursue lower-cost players with high potential, recognising the value these emerging talents can provide.
A potential transfer for Yun would not only enhance the sporting capabilities of the acquiring club but could also yield significant economic benefits. Last season, PSG reported that South Korean international Lee Kang-in had outsold all other players, including star forward Kylian Mbappe, following Lionel Messi's departure to Inter Miami. Furthermore, there was a remarkable 300 per cent increase in South Korean fans visiting the Parc des Princes, alongside a 20 per cent rise in match attendance from South Korean supporters.
As the transfer window approaches, the competition for Do-young Yun’s signature is expected to intensify, with clubs eager to secure a player who could prove to be a valuable asset in the years to come.