Im Sang-hyup, the ‘handsome striker’, makes a new start at FC Seoul.
An official from the football world, who is well versed in the K-League transfer market, said, “Im Sang-hyeop is moving to FC Seoul.”
Im Sang-hyeop is an experienced striker who scored 82 goals in the K-League (16th all-time). He joined Jeonbuk Hyundai as the first pick through the 2009 K-League Draft, and moved to Busan I-Park in 2011. This period was its heyday. From his first season, he succeeded in scoring double digits with 10 goals and 2 assists, and the ‘Idol Park’ was created due to clinical cooperation. His handsome appearance contributed to increasing the proportion of female viewers. In 2013, Lim Sang-hyeop was also selected for the Korean men’s soccer team, which was led by coach Hong Myung-bo at the time.
Im Sang-hyeop, who recorded 11 goals and 2 assists in 2014, was also awarded the K-League Best Eleven Midfielder category. In 2015, he headed Sangju Sangmu for his military enlistment. Im Sang-hyeop, who recorded a total of 20 goals and 6 assists even during his military service, moved to Suwon Samsung in 2018 after returning to Busan. However, he was not used as a main player in Suwon, and he was unable to demonstrate his talent due to overlapping injuries. Even after moving on loan to Jeju United for half a season in 2019, he only played 4 games, and in 2020 he stayed in 6 games at Suwon.
Im Sang-hyeop took on another challenge with the Pohang Steelers the following year with the determination of the last chance. As eagerly hoped, the ‘second heyday’ has arrived. Director Kim Ki-dong helped to make use of the advantages of clinical consultation. Im Sang-hyeop, who scored 0 goals in 12 games over the past two years, scored 11 goals and 4 assists in Pohang and was selected as the K-League 1 Best Eleven for the second time following 2014. After the season, he said, “Being a veteran, I thought I was a player who couldn’t grow further, but I broke everything and upgraded to the next level.” Im Sang-hyup recorded 8 goals and 2 assists this year, once again succeeding in double-digit attack points.
Love calls poured in not only from the metropolitan area but also from overseas clubs toward Sanghyup, who became a free agent (FA) after the 2022 season. He will turn 35 next year, but his stamina, instantaneous speed, and shooting are all still at a high level. 토토
The Clinical Association decided to take on a new challenge in Korea. The background of choosing FC Seoul also has a relationship with manager Ahn Ik-soo. Although he joined Jeonbuk in 2009, it was coach Ahn who developed him into a star in Busan, where he stayed as a handsome prospect. Im Sang-hyeop, who is sincere and has good mobility, got along well with coach Ahn during his time in Busan. It’s a reunion after 10 years.
When Pohang sends a document to terminate the contract by mutual agreement, various procedures such as medical tests will be conducted.