Southampton are keeping tabs on a 17-year-old South Korean attacker who looks destined to have a bright future.
Whilst Russell Martin will primarily be concerned with signing players for Southampton who are ready to come in and improve the squad immediately ahead of the Premier League, the Saints are a club that always have an eye on the future.
Already this summer 18-year-old academy duo Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Tyler Dibling have been the two standout performers in pre-season.
Southampton have adopted a different approach in recent years, targeting elite young talents with the promise of a pathway to the first-team.
That has seen the likes of Tino Livramento and Romeo Lavia brought in before being sold for big fees, whilst Gavin Bazunu, Samuel Edozie and Shea Charles all signed from Manchester City to be first-teamers at Southampton.
That tactic could be used again, with the St Mary’s club credited with interest in a prodigious teenage talent from South Korea.
Park Seung-soo on Southampton ‘radar’ amid Heung-min Son comparison
Just over a month after confirming a deal for 17-year-old Japan attacker Rento Takoaka – who will move to Southampton when he turns 18 in March – the Saints could target another Asian player with a move for Suwon forward Park Seung-soo.
That is according to South Korean football expert Joel Kim, who posted on ‘X’: “Hot off on the heels Yang Min-hyuk going to the Spurs, EPL clubs are monitoring the development of Korea’s #2 prospect, Park Seung-soo.
“Nothing solid I’ve been told, but a litany of clubs are keeping him on their radar including Southampton and Wolves.
“The 17-year old Samsung Suwon winger/striker is regarded by some scouts to have a higher upside than Yang Min-hyuk.
“Previously he’s been linked to Bayern Munich where eager Bayern fans hailed him, ‘Son regen’. Add the EPL to the list of potential suitors. He won’t be able to be recruited until he turns 18 next year but he’s our other “47”- Park and Yang share the number-and our next biggest prospect.”
What could Southampton expect if they sign Park Seung-soo?
Understandably given he is 17 and plays his football in South Korea, Southampton fans may not know too much about Seung-soo.
Therefore, Southampton FC News went straight to the source and asked Joel Kim what kind of player the Saints would be getting if they were to secure a deal for Seung-Soo.
Kim said: “Park Seung-soo is quickly becoming one of South Korea’s most exciting young talents, frequently compared to fellow compatriot Yang Min-hyuk.
“Industry insiders often suggest that Park’s potential surpasses even that of Yang, who recently joined Tottenham Hotspur. Park’s youth career is highlighted by significant achievements, including becoming the youngest goalscorer in KL-2.
“Observing Park Seung-soo evokes strong comparisons to Son Heung-min. His game mirrors Son’s in terms of pace, agility, and power. Physically, his height and strong legs resemble Son so closely that Bayern fans have nicknamed him the “Son regen.”
“Despite limited opportunities, Park has consistently delivered, tallying a goal and an assist as a second-half substitute in five matches. He is versatile, capable of playing both as a centre-forward and a right winger. Although right-footed, Park is quite ambidextrous, proficient with his left foot. His aerial ability is also impressive, with his first KL-2 goal coming from a header.
“Technically, Park might be ahead of where Son was at his age, particularly with his mastery of the la croqueta dribble. Park’s idol is Kylian Mbappe, and flashes of Mbappe’s quickness, craftiness, and technical skills are evident in Park’s play. He often outmanoeuvres defenders in 1v1 and even 2v1 situations, either scoring or setting up teammates for easy goals.
“I hold Park in very high regard, possibly even more than Yang Min-hyuk, which speaks volumes about his potential. Recently, Park has been linked to FC Bayern, and EPL clubs are also closely monitoring his progress.”
Whilst Kim clearly rates Seung-soo very highly, he did mention that the South Korean has a tendency to be a little selfish in the final third and, given he is just 17, lacks physicality at this early stage of his career.
An exciting link who could well be a future star, Seung-soo is certainly one to keep an eye on.
You can follow Joel Kim on X at @KNTFootball to keep up with all things South Korean football.