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Brentford defender Kim Ji-soo becomes youngest S. Korean to play in Premier League

Published: 28 Dec. 2024, 14:33

This image captured from Brentford's Facebook page shows the Premier League club's South Korean defender Kim Ji-soo in his first-team debut against Brighton & Hove Albion during a match at American Express Stadium in Falmer, England, on Dec. 27. [YONHAP]

Brentford defender Kim Ji-soo has become the youngest South Korean to appear in a Premier League match at age 20.

Kim, who turned 20 on Christmas Eve, was subbed in for Ben Mee in the 78th minute in an away match against Brighton & Hove Albion at American Express Stadium in Falmer, England, on Friday (local time).

Kim signed for Brentford in June last year and spent his first year on their B team. Kim was promoted to the senior squad in June this year and finally made his debut on Friday.

Kim is the 15th South Korean to play in a Premier League match, joining the likes of former Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung and current Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min. Kim is also the first South Korean center back in Premier League history.

At 20 years and three days old, Kim is the youngest South Korean player in a Premier League contest. Former Sunderland forward Ji Dong-won had held the record at 20 years and three months old at the start of the 2011-2012 season.

Brentford took a goalless draw on Friday. They are in 11th place among 20 clubs with 24 points from seven wins, three draws and eight losses.

Yonhap