Minnesota United has signed a new central midfielder, while its pursuit of another remains ongoing.
The Loons announced on Saturday the addition of 24-year-old South Korean Hoyeon Jung to a three-year contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028. United’s transfer fee to Korean club Gwangju is more than $1 million, a source told the Pioneer Press.
Meanwhile, the Loons’ efforts to bring in 21-year-old French mid Owen Gene have not reached completion, a source said. This is contrary to reports that his move to the U.S. are imminent.
In mid-January, the fee to bring in Gene, who plays for Amiens in Ligue 2, was believed to be between $1.5 and $2 million. If the Loons bring in Gene, he would be eligible for the Under-22 Initiative.
Reinforcements in Loons’ midfield was among the biggest offseason needs for the club, and that was before veteran mid Hassani Dotson requested a trade away from Minnesota last week.
Loons chief soccer officer Khaled El-Ahmad described Jung in a news release as “versatile and dynamic. … We look forward to seeing his impact with our team this season, along with his continued growth in this new chapter of his professional career.”
Jung, who could be a central or defensive midfielder, scored three goals and provided 14 assists in 113 appearances from 2022-25. In 2023, he was named Young Player of the Year in K League 1.
“I am excited for this new challenge and grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside the team,” Jung said in a statement. “I will do my best to contribute and develop as a player in this new environment.”
Jung has played for the South Korea’s senior national team as well as its Under-23 and the Olympic squads. He was on the U23 team that won gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games.
Jung, who will occupy an international roster spot, is in Minnesota and plans to attend the Timberwolves game on Saturday night. But he will need to leave the U.S. for his work visa before being eligible to play for Loons.
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