What’s next for ‘King of Stoke’ Bae Junho?
Big league interest is heating up for the ‘future of Korean soccer’ Bae Joon-ho (Stoke City). Beyond the Netherlands, the English Premier League (EPL), German Bundesliga, and Italian Serie A are also reportedly keeping an eye on him.
On the 18th, British media outlet ‘TeamTalk’ reported, “Dutch powerhouse Feyenoord is targeting Bae Junho. According to sources, three teams from the Bundesliga, Serie A, and EPL are interested in him.”
The news of Feyenoord’s interest in Bae had been reported by Dutch media the day before. Dutch media outlet 1908 and Stoke on Trent Live, which focuses on Stoke City news, reported that Feyenoord were preparing to sign Bae. “He (Bae) plays for Stoke City but is interested in Feyenoord’s interest,” the outlet said.
The Champions League is the reason why Bae is interested in Feyenoord’s offer. “Bae is contracted to Stoke City until 2027, but is interested in playing in the Champions League next season with Feyenoord,” 1908 explained, adding that ”Feyenoord have concluded that Bae is a perfect fit for Brian Frisbiek’s new formation and way of playing.” According to TeamTalk, Feyenoord have set a transfer fee of £8 million for Bae Junho.
However, with the news that teams from the EPL, Serie A, and the Bundesliga – all of which are higher divisions than the Dutch Eredivisie – are also interested, the price tag has skyrocketed. While Stoke City are adamant that they 안전놀이터 won’t sell him, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t make an offer they can’t refuse.
Bae made his professional debut for Daejeon Hana Citizen in 2022, having been recognized as one of South Korea’s top prospects since his high school days. In 2023, he joined the South Korea U-20 national team under Kim Eun-joong, leading the team to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He scored a goal and an assist in the round of 16 against Ecuador and added a goal and an assist in the quarterfinals against Italy and the third-place match against Israel.
Bae received offers from several European clubs during the summer transfer window in 2023, and eventually chose Stoke City of the English Championship (2nd Division).
Bae Junho became the “king” of Stoke City in his first season with the club. He scored two goals and provided six assists in 40 official games and was eventually named Stoke City’s Player of the Year. Stoke City finished in 17th place, but Bae shined. The momentum carried him to the South Korea A team under interim coach Kim Do-hoon in June, where he scored his debut goal against Singapore.
With his explosive growth in his first season in Europe, all eyes are now on Bae Junho. This summer’s transfer window will be another big one for Korean fans.