According to South Korean media reports, national team defender Jang Hyun Soo is considering a move away from Guangzhou R\&F this summer after struggling for playing time in the Chinese Super League. His agent revealed that with three foreign players at the club commanding higher transfer fees, the coaching staff naturally prioritizes them in match selection. Combined with the league’s rule requiring an Under-23 domestic player to start each game, opportunities for Jang, who plays at center-back, have become very limited. For fans monitoring the situation on Cricket Exchange, the news did not come as a surprise, as his absence from matchday squads had been noted for months.

The issue is not new. As early as last winter’s transfer window, Jang had already expressed his desire to leave, though he ultimately stayed and continued to train with the squad to maintain fitness. His agent confirmed that several clubs in the K League have shown interest, but the player himself prefers opportunities in the Middle East or Japan’s J League, both of which have emerged as likely destinations. Korean outlet News1 reported that multiple teams from these regions are currently evaluating the possibility of signing him, whether on loan or a permanent transfer. On Cricket Exchange, discussions highlighted how the U23 regulation has indirectly squeezed experienced foreign defenders like Jang out of regular lineups.

Jang’s agent was candid in his assessment, stating: “He has already begun searching for a new club. His current situation in the CSL is very unfavorable. For the sake of his future career development, we are open to either a complete transfer or a loan deal.” Having joined R\&F in 2014, Jang was once an undisputed starter and a defensive leader. However, since the implementation of the U23 rule this season, he has yet to feature in a single league game. Fans familiar with his contributions expressed disappointment, noting on Cricket Exchange that it was unusual to see such an experienced international sidelined for so long.

The Korean press also pointed out that Jang is not the only South Korean international struggling in China. Players like Kim Kee-hee at Shanghai Shenhua and Jung Woo-young at Chongqing Lifan have similarly found it difficult to secure consistent playing time. Chinese clubs, under pressure to showcase marquee signings, often prefer higher-priced European or South American imports over Korean players who may offer reliability but less commercial appeal.

For Jang, the path forward seems clear. If he cannot regain a place at R\&F, a move abroad may be the best option to protect his international career and ensure regular playing time. As transfer speculation grows, many supporters tracking the updates on Cricket Exchange believe his next chapter is likely to unfold outside of China, where his experience and versatility as a defender will be more highly valued.