Paik Seung-ho: Birmingham City sign South Korea midfielder
- Published
Paik Seung-ho made his debut for South Korea in 2019
Birmingham City have made their second January transfer window signing by bringing in South Korea midfielder Paik Seung-ho.
Subject to international clearance, 26-year-old Paik has left South Korean top flight side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors for Blues on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
"Since I was young and started to watch football, one of my dreams was to come to England and play football," he said.
"When I heard Birmingham was interested in me, I was really happy."
Having tied himself to the Championship club until June 2026, the former Barcelona youth product added: "I have known the club since I was a young kid. So, after meeting the manager and directors, I decided to come here.
"I am really happy to be part of this club. I am really excited. I can't wait to start."
Paik Seung-ho fired home a long-range left-foot stunner against Brazil at the 2022 World Cup
Capped 15 times by his country, Paik was part of the South Korea squad at the 2022 World Cup, firing a long-range consolation effort past Liverpool's Alisson in their 4-1 last 16 defeat by Brazil.
He follows the loan signing last week of QPR midfielder Andre Dozzell, who was new Blues boss Tony Mowbray's first signing.
Blues have also been boosted by the news that nine-goal top scorer Jay Stansfield will be staying for the rest of the season.
Fulham could have recalled Stansfield, with other clubs keen to get their hands on him, but last week's deadline passed and Mowbray now knows he has him until May.
Blues are 20th in the Championship table, seven points clear of trouble, having so far picked up four points from their first two Championship games following the sacking of Wayne Rooney.
Paik could figure in this Saturday's Championship derby with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
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