South Korean starlet going nowhere claims Sunderland manager
Martin O’Neil has insisted that Ji Dong-won is staying at the club, despite interest from a number of clubs from abroad.
Since his move from Chunnam Dragons last summer, the South Korean youngster has only been used occasionally, whilst his future at the club has been put under question following O’Neil’s appointment in December.
This has resulted in the former Celtic and Aston Villa boss to openly reject speculation that the 20-year-old is set to go out on loan, claiming that he is an important member of the squad.
“We’ve had a few phone calls from clubs abroad that would like to take Ji on loan, but we’ve knocked them back,” O’Neill told the Sunderland Echo.
“The fact is, we can’t afford to lose any of our squad at the moment, but besides that, Ji is a player who has done well for us.
“The lad has talent, but he’s just come over here and is still learning the game. We want to see how he progresses and develops.
“Apart from that, he’s just scored one of the most important goals that I can remember – that amazing last-minute winner against Man City and making himself an instant hero in the eyes of the fans – and myself – in the process.”
