Song takes another step to joining Saudi team

Song Chong-gug is closer to joining his former teammate on the 2002 World Cup squad in Saudi Arabia. The veteran midfielder departed for the country yesterday to negotiate the terms of his contract with Al Shabab Riyadh of the Saudi Super League.

“Song is set to depart for Saudi Arabia this afternoon to negotiate the terms of his contract,” said a Suwon Bluewings official. “It is our understanding that nothing is set for certain, and we will get a clearer idea after Song returns from his trip.”

National team midfielder Kim Nam-il recently signed on with the Saudi club after a stint with Tom Tomsk, a Russian club, last season. Song and Kim were starting midfielders on the 2002 World Cup squad that reached the semifinals.

Lee Young-pyo, another 2002 teammate, currently plays for Al Hilal.

Al Shabab is set to face Jeonbuk Motors of the K-League in the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League in September. By Choi Won-chang