Indonesian Super League heavyweights Sriwijaya have confirmed they are in negotiations to sign North Korean national team defender Ji Yun-nam ahead of the new Indonesian league season in October.
The 33 year-old April 25 left-back, who scored his country’s solitary goal at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals against Brazil on June 15th, has been targeted by Sriwijaya President and Governor of South Sumatra Alex Noerdin in an attempt to bolster the backline of a squad that finished eighth overall in the 2009/10 season.
Noerdin told reporters, “I will discuss things with the coach (Ivan Kolev), and if the team really needs it then we will get this player”.
Sriwijaya currently have four foreign players on their books, Brazilian pair Julio Cesar Mendes Moreira and Claudiano Alves dos Santos, veteran St. Kitts and Nevis international forward Keith Gumbs and former Anyang LG Cheetahs, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, Yantai Yiteng and Suwon City striker Park Jung-hwan. Under Indonesian league rules they are permitted three non-Asian and two Asian imports and Noerdin has targeted Ji to fill the final spot.
Ji Yun Nam’s fantastic goal against Brazil at the 2010 world cup will be forever remembered.
He joined legendary Pak Doo Ik in the galaxy of the best north korean players ever.