South Korean’s move to Boro all but done
Posted on 25th January 2007
Middlesbrough have been given the green light to complete a move for South Korean player Lee Dong-Gook. The twenty-seven year old player has been granted a work permit and can now complete his move to Middlesbrough. Terms have been agreed with the player and his club, Pohang Steelers, and now all that remains is for him to obtain a visa.
The player has flown back to Korea to obtain the documentation he needs. When he returns it is likely he will be unveiled before the media and the deal formally completed. There is no fee involved for the experienced South Korean international, who has signed an eighteen-month contract with Boro, taking him to the end of the 2007-08 season.
Gook has scored twenty-two times for his country however he missed the World Cup last year. He is well liked back in his native country and his move to Middlesbrough will be likely tracked. This is Lee's second attempt to make a success in Europe, having had a short spell at Werder Bremen six years ago. But Boro are confident that Lee has got what it takes to do himself justice in the Premiership.
“We’ve put Lee through all the tests and he's a very fit boy,” said first team coach Colin Cooper. “Over a short distance he is very quick. He’s also a big lad. He’s 6ft 1in or 6ft 2in tall, good in the air, and he’s a real athlete. And playing for South Korea and with Gus Hiddink he’s well aware of the physical demands of the game at top level. He also shoots with either foot. It all sounds perfect but the down side is that we are bringing him into a completely new environment and it will take him time to settle. We will integrate him as quickly as possible. He wants to learn and he wants to do well in the Premiership, and he is already picking up bits of English. I’m sure, that once he settles in, he will be a major success at our football club.”
Earlier Middlesbrough news
Siena desperate for Maccarone deal to be doneDowning wants European pushMiddlesbrough try for AliadiereRochemback a Boro rebelSouthgate just pleased to get throughViduka resigned to Boro depatureBoateng unlikely to figure in Hull clashAway win a long time in coming says SouthgateBoro need to take their chances says SlavenRiggott ready to battleMiddlesbrough interested in pairBoro hopeful of cup run but Hull confidentForwards can ease Boro awaySouthgate wants Viduka to staySouthgate delighted at character shown