Ki Sung-Yueng Returns to Swansea City, Instrumental in Eom Ji-Sung’s Transfer

League Cup winner Ki Sung-Yueng visited Swansea City this week, having played a role in the club’s summer acquisition of fellow South Korean player Eom Ji-Sung. Midfielder Ki, 35, continues to play for FC Seoul in his home country, though he is also planning for a future coaching career. Ki was with Swansea for six years, from 2012 to 2018, during which he made 162 appearances, scored 12 goals, and contributed to the club’s Wembley victory in 2013. Ki is currently pursuing his coaching qualifications with the Football Association of Wales. He also had a discussion with Luke Williams as part of a documentary he is creating about his path into coaching. However, he also found time to meet with Eom, who joined Swansea from South Korean club Gwangju FC in July. Williams has detailed the crucial part first-team coach Kristian O’Leary played in Eom’s arrival, as well as Ki’s involvement in the transfer. The Swansea head coach stated, “Kris O’Leary in particular was watching some games to keep his eye out for that type of player and he saw Eom.” He continued, “Kris came to me and said ‘I think you should look at this player’. I watched him and said this ‘looks like a really talented boy, let’s find out about him’.” Williams added, “It’s one thing finding out about British players because you know people. Finding out about a Korean player is much more difficult.” He further explained, “Kris said ‘leave it with me’. He spoke to Ki and came back with some unbelievable information which helped us hugely to get the deal done.” Eom has made a strong start to his time at Swansea, despite being sidelined for approximately six weeks due to a knee injury before returning to play in last weekend’s draw with Portsmouth. He will aim to secure a place back in Williams’ starting line-up when Swansea plays Luton Town on Saturday.