Mainz 05 snags Hong from Gent in Belgium deal
German soccer team Mainz 05 has made a splash in the transfer market by securing the services of South Korean midfielder Hyun-seok Hong. The 25-year-old is set to join the club from Belgian team KAA Gent, inking a five-year deal until 2028. Contrary to the swirling rumors, the financial details of the transfer have been kept under wraps.
Hong's arrival at Mainz 05 will reunite him with fellow South Korean teammate Jae-sung Lee. The duo share a history of representing their national team together. Sporting director Christian Heidel praised Hong's versatility, describing him as a "skilled, inventive, and goal-scoring attacking midfielder who can adapt to various positions."
Heidel also highlighted Hong's endurance, commending how the midfielder consistently covers extensive distances for his teams, aligning perfectly with Mainz's high-energy playing style.
Hong's stint with Gent started in the summer of 2022, contributing to over 100 competitive matches and scoring nearly 40 goals. Prior to his Belgian journey, Hong had a temporary sojourn in Germany, representing the U19 and senior squads of SpVgg Unterhaching between 2018 and 2019.
Now, Hyun-seok Hong is set to compete in the German Bundesliga, with Jae-sung Lee already a part of the Mainz 05 squad in the Bundesliga.
Additional Insights:
While specific financial details of the transfer are scarce, Hong's impressive performance over the past few years has undoubtedly caught the attention of Mainz 05. As of now, the actual transfer fee remains undisclosed, with estimates varying between €4-6 million.
