Hoang Anh Gia Lai sharpen defense, attack with new foreign signings

Kim, 25, is a product of renowned German club Hamburger SV, as is top South Korean player Son Heung-min.

Kim Dong-su plays for Hamburger SV in 2017. Photo courtesy of Hamburger SV.

At a height of 1.88 m, Kim can play as a center-back or defensive midfielder. After parting with Hamburger, he played for Japanese club Omiya Ardija, German side VfB Lubeck and Anyang in his home country South Korea. According to German football site Transfermarkt, he is valued at €175,000 ($214,400). He was scouted by HAGL’s new coach, Thai football legend Kiatisuk Senamuang, who signed on to manage the club in November last year.

Kim’s partner in defense will be Damir Memovic, a 31-year-old Serbian center-back.

HAGL also strengthened their firepower by signing Brazilian striker Washington Brandão dos Santos, or simply Washington Brandão from Malaysian side Petaling Jaya City. After 18 appearances for Jaya City, he has scored five goals.

HAGL, who finished seventh last season, are expected to field their strongest squad with all three foreigners in their opening V. League 2021 game, scheduled for Jan. 16.