Eighteen-year-old forward Kim Ye-geon has officially joined the traditional Serbian professional football powerhouse, Red Star Belgrade.

Red Star announced through its official website on the 25th (Korean time) that Kim has signed a five-year contract and will wear the number 19 shirt.

A senior at Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors' youth academy, Youngsaeng High School, Kim made his K League 1 debut this season, making eight appearances. He scored his debut goal against Ulsan HD on July 11 at the age of 17 years, 11 months, and 4 days.

Through Red Star's website, Kim shared his thoughts on joining the club, saying, "It is a great honor to come to Red Star. I am happy to join the best club in Serbia." He added, "Red Star was the club that left the best impression on me during our conversations. I believe that Red Star's playing style suits me best."

He specifically mentioned that prior to his transfer, he had a conversation with Seol Young-woo, a wing-back currently playing for Red Star.

"I talked with Seol Young-woo, and he told me that Red Star is a great team and that it would suit my playing style, so he recommended the transfer," Kim said, resolving to "repay the fans for their support and give everything to show my best performance on the pitch."

An attacking midfielder, Kim is a versatile player who can also operate as a winger.

Having debuted for the national youth team at the East Asian U-15 Championship in September 2023, Kim gained international experience last year at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-17 Asian Cup and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) U-17 World Cup.

(Photo: Screengrab from Red Star Belgrade website, Yonhap News)