South Korea's Kim Bo-Kyung joins Cardiff City

Jul 27, 2012 3:30:00 AM

The widely-expected move for the 22-year-old is another painful blow for Cerezo Osaka's midfield in the wake of Hiroshi Kiyotake's departure for Nurnberg last month

South Korea international Kim Bo-Kyung will join Championship outfit Cardiff City on a full transfer from J-League side Cerezo Osaka, both clubs announced on Friday.

Dubbed the successor to Park Ji-Sung by national team coach Choi Kang-Hee, 22-year-old Kim excelled this season with seven goals in 15 appearances. The three-year contract is expected to yield a €2.5 million windfall for Cerezo, who have also seen star midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake depart for Nurnberg this summer.

"I learned many things at Cerezo," Kim commented through a Cerezo press release. "I was able to play hard because all of you supported me, and I'll never forget my time at Cerezo."

Kim started on Thursday in South Korea's scoreless draw with Mexico in group play at the 2012 London Olympics. He will join his new club after the Games, pending a medical check as well as the acquisition of a work permit.

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