Daejeon Hana Citizen is focusing on quality over quantity for the 2026 winter transfer window, but with an already crowded squad, the integration of new players raises questions.
The club’s transfer dealings appear to be finalized. Despite exploring options for a high-caliber playmaker, including discussions with Jeju SK’s Nam Tae-hee and former Pohang star Goh Young-jun, Daejeon opted to retain their current resources in that position.
Additionally, while there were discussions about acquiring another center back, the permanent signing of Ha Chang-rae from Nagoya Grampus has led Daejeon—known for their dynamic transfer strategies—to exercise caution as they prepare for the 2026 season, aiming for the championship and the upcoming AFC Champions League Elite in September.
The Citizen have brought in four new players, with a total of six signings if we count loan players transitioning to permanent contracts. The question remains: how will the new additions fit into the lineup?
Diogo Oliveira, Striker
Brazilian forward Diogo Oliveira was the first to join the squad. The 29-year-old is a strong candidate to become Daejeon’s primary striker but is expected to share responsibilities with Joo Min-kyu, who will require managed playing time as he turns 36. Standing at 6 ft 3 (194 cm), Diogo excelled in Brazil’s Serie B, netting six goals in 17 appearances for Paysandu SC. Over his career, he has amassed 38 goals and 13 assists in 170 matches, averaging a goal every 4.5 games, or contributing a goal every 3.3 games when factoring in assists. Early in the season, do not be surprised if Diogo starts as a substitute, with Joo Min-kyu leading the attack.
Joao Victor, Right Winger
After a successful loan in the latter half of the 2025 season, Joao Victor’s performance—four goals and two assists in 13 matches—encouraged the club to secure his services permanently. His familiarity with the team makes him a low-risk addition, ready to step in and compete with Um Won-sang for the right-wing position under Hwang Sun-hong’s 4-4-2 formation. The rivalry should elevate both players’ performances.
Um Won-sang, Right Winger
Um Won-sang, a significant acquisition, surely did not join Daejeon to sit on the bench. He knows competition for his spot will be stiff, potentially leading to a close decision between him and Joao Victor. Factors such as Hwang Sun-hong’s choices for the foreign player quota in the starting lineup will also play a role. The competition amongst wingers is intense, especially with Jeong Jae-hee also looking to remain with the team.
Gustav Ludwigson, Left Winger
On the left wing, Gustav Ludwigson is poised to secure the starting role. A two-time K League champion at 32, Daejeon aims to capitalize on the final years of his prime. His direct style of play provides quality along the left flank, contributing a healthy mix of goals and assists. Seo Jin-su will be his main rival, though he has yet to deliver similar statistics. Choi Geon-ju also appears set to stay for pre-season, despite interest from FC Anyang.
Cho Seong-gwon, Defender
Versatile defender Cho Seong-gwon has joined Daejeon from Gwangju FC on a free transfer, but his role may not be clear-cut. Primarily a right back last season, the team already boasts strength in that area, leading to speculation that Cho will be utilized as a right center back. With talent both defensively and in ball movement, he faces competition from Ha Chang-rae and Kim Min-duk to partner Anton Kryvotsyuk, particularly if the team continues with a back four. However, he could serve well as a right center back in a three-man defense setup if Hwang opts for that formation.
Ha Chang-rae, Center Back
The permanent acquisition of Ha Chang-rae, who was previously on loan from Nagoya Grampus, indicates that Daejeon has concluded its defensive signings. Ha is likely to be the preferred choice to partner Anton in a central defensive role.
Squad Depth
Goalkeepers
Lee Chang-geun, Lee Jun-seo, Lee Kyung-tae, Kim Min-su
Left Backs
Lee Myung-jae, Park Kyu-hyun, Seo Young-jae
Right Backs
Kim Moon-hwan, Kang Yun-sung, Kim Jin-ya, Oh Jae-suk
Centre Backs
Anton Kryvotsyuk, Ha Chang-rae, Cho Seong-gwon, Kim Min-duk, Lim Jong-eun
Central Midfielders
Victor Bobsin, Lee Soon-min, Kim Bong-soo, Lee Hyun-sik
Number 10s
Masatoshi Ishida, Kim Jun-beom, Kim Hyeon-ug
Left Wingers
Gustav Ludwigson, Seo Jin-su, Joao Victor, Um Won-sang, Jeong Jae-hee
Strikers
Joo Min-kyu, Diogo Oliveira, Yu Kang-hyun, Kim Hyeon-oh