Center back Jang Hyun-soo, 32, is likely to get his first taste of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) fifth-ranked Qatar.
“Jang Hyun-soo will undergo a trial to join the team. He will train with the team to check his physical and technical readiness.”
Jang helped Al-Hilal win the 2019-2021 Asian Champions League, the 2020-2022 Saudi First Division, the 2020-2023 Saudi Football Association Cup, and the 2021 Saudi Super Cup.레모나토토 주소
His chances of making it to Qatar, which is ranked fifth in the Asian Football Confederation’s league standings, are increasing later this season. Photo via Algarafa official social media
Saudi Arabia is ranked No. 1 in the 2023-24 Asian League Rankings. Al-Hilal are the reigning champions of the Saudi Arabian top flight and AFC Champions League. Jang Hyun-soo was a 2021 Asian Champions League All-Star.
Al-Hilal helped Jang receive treatment at the King Faisal Specialized Hospital Research Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after he was diagnosed with a benign lymph gland tumor prior to the season. On Sept. 21, the team held a send-off ceremony to thank him and give him a farewell message.
“Once it is confirmed that Jang is ready to play (again), we will sign Riyanko (26-Brazil) as a replacement,” Algarafa said. Riyanko was loaned from Southampton (England) on Aug. 30 this year.
Jang Hyun-soo celebrates after winning the 2019 Asian Football Confederation Champions League. Photo via Al-Hilal official social media
The central defender has played nearly 100 games at the highest level, including 36 in the English Premier League (EPL) with Southampton and 59 in the Italian Serie A with Torino and Bologna, averaging 71.0 minutes per game.
Algarafa describes Jang as “a former South Korean international who played for Al-Hilal.” His reputation in the Saudi Arabian and Asian club competitions is evident in the fact that until last season, he was considered to be capable of replacing a starting center back in a big league in European soccer.