He had trials with Bayern Munich last year, now he is signing for Newcastle United
Newcastle United Set to Secure Second Summer Signing as South Korean Prospect Park Seung-soo Nears Move
Newcastle United are gearing up to complete their second signing of the summer transfer window, continuing their long-term strategy of investing in emerging talent. Having already secured the signature of 18-year-old Antonio Cordero from Spanish outfit Malaga, the Magpies are now close to bringing in another exciting young prospect—Park Seung-soo from South Korean side Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
Antonio Cordero: A Glimpse into Newcastle’s Youth Investment Plan
The addition of Antonio Cordero was confirmed earlier this summer. The highly rated Spanish winger arrives on a free transfer and is regarded as a project player with enormous potential. The club’s recruitment team believes that Cordero could surpass the impact once made by Ayoze Perez, another young Spaniard who made a name for himself on Tyneside.
Although Cordero is not expected to immediately break into the first team, Newcastle’s long-term vision for the teenager involves developing him into a Premier League-level contributor or potentially profiting from his rise in value, helping to strengthen the club’s position under Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Newcastle Now Targeting Park Seung-soo from South Korea
According to The Shields Gazette, Newcastle United are now set to sign 18-year-old Park Seung-soo from K League side Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Much like Cordero, Park is being brought in as a developmental talent, but one with the potential to make an eventual impact at senior level.
Standing at 6 feet tall, Park is a versatile forward capable of playing on either wing, making him a flexible attacking option. His signing would arrive just in time for Newcastle’s pre-season tour of South Korea, which will include matches against Team K-League on July 30th in Suwon and Premier League rivals Arsenal on August 3rd in Seoul.
Should the deal be finalized, Park Seung-soo will become only the second South Korean player to ever sign for Newcastle United, following in the footsteps of Ki Sung-yueng, who joined the Magpies on a free transfer back in 2018.
European Interest and Bayern Munich Trial
Park isn’t an unknown quantity in European football circles. Earlier in 2024, the teenage attacker was invited for a trial with Bayern Munich II—the reserve team of the German powerhouse. The Bundesliga club had been monitoring his progress and wanted to assess his potential up close. Unfortunately, a permanent move could not be completed at the time due to FIFA regulations preventing underage international transfers.
Now that Park has turned 18—having celebrated his birthday in March—he is officially eligible to sign for a club outside South Korea. Newcastle have acted swiftly to capitalize on this, and it appears they will beat out potential competition by securing his services.
A Strategic Signing for the Future
Newcastle United’s recruitment of Park is consistent with the club’s broader strategy under Eddie Howe and the ownership group, which focuses on identifying undervalued or unproven young players with the potential to develop into first-team contributors—or highly valuable assets. The expectation is not immediate impact but gradual progression, with the chance to either integrate him into the senior squad or profit from his development in future transfer windows.
While Park’s arrival may not generate the same buzz as a marquee signing, it represents a shrewd investment in talent that could pay off down the line. If he flourishes under Newcastle’s development system, Park could become a breakout star—or at the very least, an important piece of the club’s financial and sporting plans.
As the Magpies continue to blend youth recruitment with targeted first-team reinforcements, their long-term vision for sustainable success in both domestic and European competitions becomes increasingly clear.