Yoon Do-young is embarking on a new challenge. He has seized the opportunity to present a challenge alongside Kaoru Mitoma (Brighton).

Brighton announced on its official website and social media on the 21st (Korean time), "We are very pleased to have signed winger Yoon Do-young from Daejeon Hanar Citizens," stating, "Yoon Do-young will remain in Daejeon until the end of June and is expected to officially join Brighton & Hove Albion on July 1, when the transfer market reopens." Brighton has signed Yoon Do-young until June 2030. The club noted, "A loan next season is highly likely."

Born in 2006, Yoon Do-young has been recognized as a top prospect since his high school days. He joined the Daejeon Hanar Citizens U-15 team in 2019 and was a key player in the team that achieved three championships in the U-15 tournament in 2021. He also participated in the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup (Thailand) as part of the U-18 team (Chungnam Machinery Technical High School), where they finished as runners-up, and he was active in the FIFA U-17 World Cup (Indonesia).

Acknowledged for his potential, Yoon Do-young signed Korea’s second semi-professional contract with the Daejeon Hanar Citizens in January 2024 while with Chungnam Machinery Technical High School. He made his professional debut at the age of 17 years, 6 months, and 27 days in a K League 1 match against Ulsan in Round 14. He achieved his first scoring point with a valuable assist in the home match against Daegu in Round 16.

In particular, after the home match against Suwon FC in Round 20, Manager Hwang Sun-hong expressed that he felt "a great satisfaction with Yoon Do-young's active and challenging play, and everyone should take his lead."

Building on his performance, Yoon Do-young participated in a match against Tottenham as part of the Coupang Play series in July 2024, leaving a strong impression on fans and world-class players with his confident play as a member of Team K League.

In August 2024, Yoon Do-young became the first player from Daejeon Hanar Citizens to sign a full professional contract during his semi-professional period. He made a starting appearance in the home match against Gwangju in Round 29 and scored his debut goal in K League 1 less than a minute into the match. This score, made at 17 years, 10 months, and 4 days, set the record for the youngest scorer in the club and since the introduction of the promotion-relegation system in 2013, and it marked a page in K League history.

Yoon Do-young had an outstanding debut season with Daejeon Hanar Citizens, achieving 1 goal and 3 assists in 19 K League 1 matches, tying for the most assists on the team, along with Masa.

Before the 2025 season, Yoon Do-young was called up to the national team for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup (China) and secured qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Chile in September. He contributed to the team's third-place finish by participating in all matches and scoring 1 goal and 1 assist.

Yoon Do-young's exceptional talent and potential naturally caught the attention of several European clubs, and he ultimately finalized a transfer to Brighton, known for its active recruitment and as a bridge to big club transfers. Yoon Do-young is expected to join Brighton this summer when the European transfer market opens.

Yoon Do-young stated, "Thanks to the team of Daejeon, I have been able to grow a lot as a player, and my affection for Daejeon is immense, considering the time I have spent here since middle school. I will not forget my gratitude to everyone who has given me so much support and love. During the remaining time, I will do my best to contribute to the team until the end and return as a proud player who brings glory to the club called Daejeon."

Ben Jacobs, knowledgeable about the European football transfer market, explained, "Brighton & Hove Albion has confirmed the signing of Yoon Do-young on a five-year contract this summer. The transfer fee is £2 million (37 billion won)." It is rare to recruit an 18-year-old prospect with little professional experience for 37 billion won, indicating the high expectations Brighton has for Yoon Do-young. He is expected to go on loan after joining Brighton & Hove Albion in July to gain experience.

[Photo] Provided by the league.

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