English
Español
Suwon 3.0
After two failed attempts to return to K League 1, Suwon Bluewings have gone all-in on winter recruitment to end this near 1,000-day nightmare. They made the biggest splash of the break by appointing former Gwangju manager Lee Jung-hyo.
Consider the contrast: in 2024, legendary former player but managerial novice Yeom Ki-hun was in the dugout. It ended badly. Last season, Byun Seung-hwan took charge. It ended in tears. Now, one of Korea’s most highly rated managers has stepped down a division to awaken a slumbering—perhaps even ailing—giant of Korean football.
Player recruitment has been equally impressive. Park Hyun-bin arrives from Bucheon after winning promotion and attracting interest from top-tier clubs. Like Lee, he has chosen to step down a division. When was the last time Suwon had a no-nonsense, combative, ball-winning central midfielder like Park?
Back in blue: Ko Seung-beom.
Staying in midfield, Ko Seung-beom returns, while Jung Ho-yeon arrives from MLS to add creativity. Lee has also brought Brazilian forward Reis from Gwangju, alongside his compatriot Fessin from Busan. Fessin has been a constant thorn in Suwon’s side since their relegation; they have seen firsthand how formidable he can be.
The back line has been heavily revamped, with goalkeeper Kim Joon-hong arriving to solve another problem area. The signs are promising. Suwon have recruited well—especially in the dugout—and may not get a better opportunity to end their exile.
This Could Be Seoul’s Year
From K League 2 laughingstock to genuine contenders, Seoul E-Land have come close to promotion in each of the last two seasons. With three teams now guaranteed promotion, this could finally be their year.
The capital’s other club made headlines in late 2023 by luring former Suwon FC boss Kim Do-kyun from Castle Park to Mokdong. Osmar, an FC Seoul legend, was persuaded to join as well. At that point, it was clear the club meant business.
Kim Do-kyun at the 2026 K League 2 season launch.
On paper, they have the second-strongest squad in the division, and recent near-misses should galvanise them further.
The biggest preseason disruption has come in goal. Gu Sung-yoon left E-Land to become FC Seoul’s first-choice keeper. His replacement is former Incheon United goalkeeper Min Seong-jun, fresh from a spot in the Best XI. Min made 31 appearances for champions Incheon, keeping 15 clean sheets. Despite effectively winning the division’s best goalkeeper award, Incheon could afford to let him go. At 26, he fits Seoul’s profile perfectly.
Losing highly rated midfielder Seo Jae-min to Incheon is a blow. Seo, who turns 23 later this season, already has over 60 league appearances. Unlike many young players in Korea, he was not a part-time option—he completed the full 90 minutes in 18 of his 31 matches last year.
Crucially, they retained talisman Euller. The Brazilian led the team in assists and added 12 goals. A clear Best XI selection, he must have been close to MVP consideration.
Key Men
Kim Joon-hong, Suwon Samsung
It is difficult to single out one player given the overhaul, but Kim’s arrival on loan from MLS side DC United is intriguing. Yang Hyung-mo has been first choice for several seasons, yet the 34-year-old has struggled with fitness and form.
Kim Joon-hong is the man to look out for on Saturday.
Kim Min-jun deputised last year. While a capable shot-stopper, his positional awareness was suspect, and a rash moment cost Suwon in the first leg of the playoff against Jeju. The Bluewings will hope Kim Joon-hong brings much-needed stability.
Euller, Seoul E-Land
Euller typically starts on the right wing—or the right side of a front three—but is equally comfortable on the opposite flank or as a false nine. As noted, he registered 23 goal contributions last season, replacing and surpassing former crowd favourite Bruno Silva.
Euller gets ready for a new season in Mokdong.
His most devastating spell came midway through last season. Seoul will need him at that level on Saturday. With Suwon’s left-back position in transition—Lee Ki-jae has moved to Iran and centre-back Park Dae-won may fill in—Euller will fancy the matchup.
Record
Seoul E-Land have dominated this fixture since Suwon’s relegation in 2023, winning five of six meetings. From a Suwon perspective, the worrying aspect is how uncompetitive they have often been. Before September’s fortuitous win, Suwon had scored just four goals while conceding 13.
E-Land’s 3–1 victory at Big Bird during Suwon’s first season in the second division marked the end of Yeom Ki-hun’s tenure.
Prediction
It is no exaggeration to say I have gotten more than 90% of my Suwon predictions wrong over the past two years. I tipped them to win K League 2 on both occasions—they finished sixth and second—and backed them to beat Jeju in last December’s playoffs.
The talent was there, but the squad felt incomplete and poorly led. This time feels different. Suwon have an elite manager and a squad capable of finishing mid-table in K League 1. They will be eager to impress in their first outing under Lee.
I expect a strong performance built on defensive solidity, pace out wide, and a return to form for their forwards.