According to reports in Germany, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Stuttgart, and SC Freiburg are ready to battle it out with Augsburg to bring Sunderland forward Ji Dong-won back to the Bundesliga next season. The Korean made a real impact on loan at the SGL Arena last term, helping Augsburg to a memorable escape from a relegation that seemed almost certain at the turn of the year. As part of the loan agreement there was an option for Augsburg to make the deal a permanent one for a fee believed to be around â¬3m. That option has now expired, however, and although Director of Football Stefan Reuter has spoken of his desire to keep the youngster, the cash-strapped Bavaria club haven't been in a position to take advantage. That has alerted a host of rivals following Ji's fine performances in Germany where he played the majority of his football in a central midfield position, scoring 5 goals in 17 appearances. Of course, the situation may be muddied by the fact that Sunderland may not be quite as receptive to a sale as they were back in January. Paolo Di Canio is yet to have cast his eye over the player and he would appear to fit in well with the Italian's criteria for young, athletic, versatile players. Sell to the highest bidder!
For me he's better than Wickham and Graham and €3m is a pittance id rather have him at the club. Watching him at Augsburg he has shown he has quality and can play in a number of positions. I also think Pdc could tap into his potential and he could be a real asset. People rave over his compatriots Son Heung min at Hamburg and there's talk of Europes elite being after him. I dont think theres much between them and if we sell Ji now I reckon well regret it
I would have thought that bit was quite important. Doesn`t seem sensible to let him go without a proper assessment. He may fit in very well with the new additions and PDC will be the best judge of that after he`s had a proper look at him. Let`s not forget that his time away could have made a huge difference. I wouldn`t write him off just yet.
Hope he gets his chance with us personally Just thinking did he not have a recall clause in his loan? Would of much preferred him to Graham playing
I wanted to see him again, now I know he's been playing in midfield for them I'm even more intrigued.
Another player who i feel was underused by mon, like campebell and wickham. which ultimately sucked any confidence out of the young lads.. Like most asian players he is hungry, dedicated. Just needs the confidence and belief installed in him. whether or not pdc persists that is entirely upto him.. interesting times ahead...
The less we talk about mon the better , him and howard wilkinson together joint managers , now that would be fantastic wouldnt it, MON destroyed not only the players belief but anybody who cared about the game in general , a shocking tenure to say the least, but out of bad comes good, and lets face it it could not have got any worse than it had, saved by the bell. This season i would have rather have watched most teams rather than ours it was dire to say the least., but now i feel inroads are being made in the signings and the revolution has begun .
