Can Oh Hyun-gyu (25, KRC Genk) produce a late transfer-market twist? Genk rejected an official offer from Turkish powerhouse Beşiktaş, but there is still news that a possibility remains.
Belgian HLN reported on the 30th (Korea time) that Genk rejected a 12 million-euro (about 20.6 billion won) offer from a Turkish club for Oh Hyun-gyu. It reported that the possibility that he will leave Genk this winter transfer window still exists.
The outlet said that Beşiktaş contacted Genk, but the 12 million-euro offer they made for South Korean forward Oh Hyun-gyu was rejected. It is still uncertain whether they will come back with another offer. Oh Hyun-gyu had been left out of the squad for several recent matches, but he was named in the starting lineup for Thursday night's game against Malmö (2-1 win).
Oh Hyun-gyu's winter destination is attracting a lot of fan interest because he has been linked with several teams, including Premier League clubs Fulham, Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
Especially as Fulham have encountered difficulties in signing their top target Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), there is speculation they may turn their attention to second option Oh Hyun-gyu. According to Sky Sports and the BBC, Fulham's negotiations with PSV have stalled because PSV has not found a replacement for Pepi.
Pepi also does not intend to force a move to Fulham. He is currently unable to play because of an arm injury and believes a move to the Premier League can still happen in the summer window. He is reported to be willing to remain at PSV until the summer if a Fulham move does not materialize.
Naturally, the possibility of Oh Hyun-gyu joining Fulham is being highlighted. Earlier, The Athletic said Fulham made an offer to PSV to sign Pepi but were rejected, and that Pepi's transfer process has been delayed due to an arm injury. Accordingly, South Korean national team player Oh Hyun-gyu of Genk is being mentioned as a backup option, and Fulham will try to sign one of the two strikers.
Fulham have already contacted Genk, and Oh Hyun-gyu is said to be open to a Premier League move. With less than two days left before the transfer window closes, it is a reason to hope for Oh Hyun-gyu's dramatic entry into a European big league.
However, Fulham have not yet made an official offer. HLN noted that foreign media link Oh Hyun-gyu with several clubs, but the only official offer Genk has actually received is Beşiktaş's. Beşiktaş are looking for a new "number 9" after Tammy Abraham left for Aston Villa and submitted an initial 12 million-euro offer for Oh Hyun-gyu.
But Genk turned down Beşiktaş's offer because they want a higher fee for Oh Hyun-gyu. Still, the path to a transfer appears open. The Turkish transfer market remains open longer than other European leagues, with about a week left.
HLN said Oh Hyun-gyu's transfer remains a realistic option and that it remains to be seen whether Beşiktaş will come back with a revised offer. Oh Hyun-gyu was close to a move to Stuttgart for 27 million euros (about 46.4 billion won) at the end of August last year, but the German club ultimately withdrew from the transaction. The Turkish transfer market closes on Feb. 6.
Oh Hyun-gyu came close to a move to Bundesliga club Stuttgart last summer. But Stuttgart suddenly cited concerns about his knee during the medical test and canceled the signing. Attention is on whether Oh Hyun-gyu will face a different outcome this winter. Because Genk are demanding a significant transfer fee, even if Fulham make an official offer and Beşiktaş reapproaches, negotiations between clubs could still fall through.
[Photo] Europa League, Genk social media.
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