By Kim Tong-hyung
Staff Reporter
In the least surprising move of the spring, Middlesbrough released struggling striker Lee Dong-gook Wednesday, relieving him of a miserable English football career defined by ineptitude.
And somewhere Fulham winger Seol Ki-hyeon, another Korean who failed to make a discernible impact in Premier League football, is sweating like cheese on a toast.
Aside of industrious Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung, who just won his second consecutive league title with the Red Devils, it has been an ugly season for Koreans in the top-flight of English football, as they stuttered in their battle for survival.
Since arriving at Riverside in January last year, Lee scored only twice in FA Cup and Carling Cup games and wasn't featured in a Boro squad since the team's home win over Fulham on Feb. 9.
And Seol was clearly the Fredo of the three wingers signed by former Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez to play on the left flank, although Hameur Bouazza and Lee Cook all contributed their parts in getting their boss canned.
According to Lee's agent Kim Ki-hoon, the former South Korea international is attracting interest from five Japanese clubs, including Kyoto Sanga FC, which happens to be the team that signed Park to his first pro contract in 2000.
``There are some teams in the J-League that are interested in me and I am thinking seriously about them," said Lee, upon his arrival at the Incheon International Airport Wednesday.
``I will take my time to make the right decision. I want to move to a team that needs me, and I want to be just more than a bench player," he said.
Seol, who whined and moaned his way out of Reading, his first Premiership employer, is now expressing his loyalty for the Cottagers, despite rumors of a difficult relationship with new manager Roy Hodgson.
It's not that Seol could manage to be too picky about his options after pulling off a disappearing act for a team that barely avoided relegation.
At 29, Seol is not the same player who once earned praise for his diligence, mobility and dangerous crosses. His reputation is now that of a loafer, rarely displaying pace and purpose on the pitch and annoying teammates with his tedious foreplay with the ball when it happens to roll his way.
``The season has just ended and I haven't thought seriously about playing for another team," Seol told Korean reporters after arriving in Seoul Tuesday.
``Obviously, I would have been great if I got more playing time,'' he said. ``However, I still have some time left in my contract, and I will try to provide what the manager wants from me.''
Lee and Seol have yet to prove they have the talent to survive in the top level of European football. This is apparently not the case for Tottenham defender Lee Young-pyo, who could be destined for a return to his former team PSV Eindhoven.
Lee has a year left on his contract with the Spurs, but has fallen out of favor with manager Juande Ramos, who replaced Martin Jol in midseason.
Although no one would question the 31-year-old's work ethic, Lee's weakness in the air and declining man-to-man skills had team officials concerned about his defense. And judging by Lee's recent play, his days as an attacking fullback seem all but over, and he probably couldn't deliver a decent cross if his life depended on it.
Clearly, Eindhoven is not bidding for the same player who played so brilliantly for it during two seasons from 2003-2005, tempting Jol to call him one of the best fullbacks in Europe when bringing him to the Spurs.
Lee admits he wants a change of scenery.
``This is a point in my life that I need a change and I must make the best decision for myself," said Lee, speaking to reporters at the Incheon International Airport.
``The most important thing for me is to be happy and have fun playing on the pitch. It doesn't matter where I play," he said.
Anywhere but White Hart Lane.