Newcastle United have bolstered their academy with the exciting acquisition of 18-year-old South Korean winger Park Seung-soo from K League 2 side Suwon Samsung Bluewings. The deal marks another step in the Magpies’ strategy to invest in promising young talents from around the globe, with Park set to become the second South Korean player in the club’s history, following in the footsteps of Ki Sung-yueng.
✍️ We have completed the signing of highly rated South Korean winger, Seung-soo Park from K League 2 side Suwon Bluewings
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 24, 2025
Welcome to Newcastle United, Seung-soo! 🇰🇷 pic.twitter.com/3rbGyjLbUD
A Rising Star from South Korea
Born in 2007, Park Seung-soo has been hailed as one of South Korea’s brightest attacking prospects. A product of Suwon Samsung’s academy since primary school, the 6ft forward made headlines by becoming the youngest semi-professional player in K League history at just 16. Known for his blistering pace—drawing comparisons to Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé—Park is a versatile attacker capable of playing on either wing or as a central striker. His performances in K League 2, where he featured in 27 matches, and his five caps for South Korea’s Under-20 side, where he scored once, have attracted attention from top European clubs.
Park’s journey to Newcastle was not without competition. The teenager previously trialed with Bayern Munich and drew interest from clubs like RB Salzburg, Hoffenheim, Marseille, Valencia, Southampton, Eintracht Frankfurt, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and FC Midtjylland. Ultimately, Newcastle won the race for his signature, with the deal finalized ahead of the club’s pre-season tour to South Korea.
Strategic Signing for the Future
Newcastle’s acquisition of Park aligns with their renewed focus on building a robust academy system under Eddie Howe’s management. Since the 2021 ownership change, the Magpies have prioritized scouting and signing young talents from across Europe and beyond, with players like Antonio Cordero from Malaga and Vakhtang Salia from Dinamo Tbilisi joining the ranks. Park’s signing is seen in a similar vein to that of Yankuba Minteh, who was loaned out and later sold for a significant profit without making a first-team appearance.
Unlike some of Newcastle’s previous youth signings, the club plans to integrate Park into their Under-21 squad for the 2025/26 season rather than loaning him out immediately. This approach aims to aid his development within the club’s system, allowing him to adapt to English football while potentially following the pathway to the first team, as seen with academy prospects like Lewis Miley and Alex Murphy.
Timing and Pre-Season Spotlight
The timing of Park’s signing is strategic, coinciding with Newcastle’s pre-season tour to East Asia, including matches against a K League All-Stars XI on July 30 and Tottenham Hotspur on August 3 in South Korea. His presence is expected to boost local interest in the Magpies, particularly in his home country, where he is regarded as a top talent. Park was spotted in the stands during Newcastle’s pre-season friendly against Celtic on July 19, signaling his integration into the club’s environment even before his official announcement.
Newcastle’s chief commercial officer, Peter Silverstone, emphasized the significance of the tour, stating, “We are proud to be bringing Newcastle United to South Korea for the first time as part of the Coupang Play Series. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with passionate fans in the region and showcase our amazing club.” Park’s inclusion in the tour could further amplify the club’s growing following in Asia.
A Pathway to the First Team
While Park is unlikely to feature in Eddie Howe’s first team immediately, his signing underscores Newcastle’s long-term vision. The club’s academy is becoming a powerhouse, with a clear pathway for young players to progress to senior football. Park’s versatility, pace, and professionalism—described as “relentless in training” and “obsessed with perfecting his craft”—make him a prime candidate to follow in the footsteps of other academy graduates.
However, challenges remain, including the recent departure of Under-21 coach Diarmuid O’Carroll to Sparta Prague, leaving Newcastle in search of a new youth coach to guide talents like Park. Despite this, the club’s commitment to nurturing young players suggests a bright future for the South Korean starlet.
What’s Next for Park?
Having completed his medical in the UK in mid-July, Park awaits an official announcement from Newcastle United, expected soon after the club’s return from their pre-season tour. His immediate focus will be on settling into the Under-21 squad, where he will aim to impress and potentially earn a chance to train with the senior team. With Newcastle preparing for a demanding Premier League and Champions League campaign, Park’s development will be closely monitored by fans eager to see if he can live up to his “Korean Mbappé” moniker.
Fan Excitement and Expectations
The Newcastle faithful are buzzing with excitement over Park’s arrival, with fans describing him as the “#2 Korean talent,” predicting he could become a “top top winger” for the Magpies. Others have highlighted his action-packed clips and the club’s strategic move to finalize the deal before the South Korea tour, with one supporter proclaiming, “Congrats Toon fam!”
As Newcastle United continue to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, Park Seung-soo represents a bold investment in the future. With his pace, versatility, and determination, the young South Korean could one day light up St James’ Park, carrying the hopes of both Newcastle and his home nation. For now, the Toon Army eagerly awaits his first steps in black and white.
