Two-time defending Korean football champions Ulsan HD FC announced Tuesday they have signed veteran midfielder Jung Woo-young and Brazilian striker Yago Cariello, bolstering their midfield corps and the attacking unit during the summer transfer window.
For Jung, the transfer from Al-Khaleej in Saudi Arabia to the K League 1 giants is a homecoming. He was born in Ulsan, some 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, and played high school football there.
The 34-year-old midfielder has been a mainstay for the Korean national team in recent years, logging 74 caps while representing the country at the past two FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Jung has never played in the K League before. He made his club debut with Kyoto Sanga in Japan in 2011, and played for two other Japanese clubs before moving on to China, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The defensive midfielder, who can also play as a center back, will join the club trying to win their third consecutive title amid a coaching 한국을 change. Ulsan are currently ranked in second place with 39 points, one behind Gimcheon Sangmu FC, but their head coach, Hong Myung-bo, was named the new head coach of the Korean national team Sunday.
“Jung Woo-young is known for his high work rate, build-up play and exceptional defensive dueling ability,” Ulsan said in a statement. “Additionally, his experience from winning titles in top leagues and his veteran status in international matches are expected to be a tremendous asset for Ulsan.”
Jung said he couldn’t wait to start playing in front of his hometown fans.
“I know that Ulsan fans have been waiting for me for a long time,” Jung said. “And I am equally excited to play in the K League and eager to prepare well and show what I can do.”