Kwon Hyuk-kyu: Rising Midfielder Joins Nantes

BREAKING: south Korean talent Kwon Hyuk-kyu Secures French Ligue 1 Move too Nantes

paris, France – In a significant advancement for south Korean football, promising midfielder Kwon Hyuk-kyu has officially joined French Ligue 1 club FC Nantes, seeking to reignite his career on the European stage. The move comes after a period of limited opportunities at Scottish giants Celtic.

Kwon Hyuk-kyu, initially tipped for a bright future and expected to be a cornerstone of Korean football, made his professional debut with Busan I-Park in 2019. His potential led him to a move to Celtic in 2023, marking his entry into European competition. Though, his time in Scotland proved challenging, with minimal first-team appearances and loan spells at St. Mirren and Hibernian failing to provide the consistent game time needed for development.

The transfer to Nantes was reportedly facilitated by Francisco calvette, the club’s Physical Coach. Calvette,who previously worked with Kwon Hyuk-kyu at Busan I-Park in 2021,recognized the player’s dedication and potential,advocating for his recruitment by the French club. This personal advice underscores the importance of strong networking and mentorship in a player’s career progression.

Evergreen Insights:

Kwon Hyuk-kyu’s journey highlights a recurring theme in professional football: the crucial balance between talent, opportunity, and environment. While initial promise can attract top clubs, consistent performance and adaptation to new leagues are paramount. This move to Nantes presents a vital reset, emphasizing that career trajectories are rarely linear and that strategic club choices can be as impactful as on-field skill.Furthermore, the story of Francisco Calvette’s recommendation sheds light on the often unseen but critical roles played by coaching and support staff. Their ability to identify and champion talent can substantially influence a player’s career path, demonstrating that success in football is a collaborative effort.For young athletes aiming for European careers, understanding the nuances of different leagues, club philosophies, and the importance of building positive relationships with coaches and staff are invaluable lessons. the ability to adapt, persevere through setbacks, and sieze new opportunities, as Kwon Hyuk-kyu is attempting to do, remains a hallmark of enduring success in the demanding world of professional football.

In related news, Nantes is also reportedly in discussions to sign South Korean international Hong Hyun-suk from German club Mainz, signaling a potential influx of Korean talent into the French league.

What is the importance of the €25 million release clause in Kwon Hyuk-kyu’s contract?

Transfer Details & Contract Length

On July 26, 2025, Ligue 1 side Nantes officially announced the signing of South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyuk-kyu. The transfer, reportedly valued at around €12 million, sees the 22-year-old join Les Canaris on a five-year contract. This marks a meaningful step up in Kwon’s career, moving him from the K League 1 to one of europe’s increasingly competitive leagues. The deal includes a reported release clause of €25 million, reflecting Nantes’ belief in his potential resale value.

Player Profile: Strengths and Playing Style

Kwon Hyuk-kyu is a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder known for his:

Passing Range: Possesses excellent vision and the ability to execute both short, intricate passes and long, accurate balls.

Dribbling Skills: Comfortable in tight spaces,capable of beating defenders with skillful dribbling and swift footwork.

work Rate: A tireless runner, consistently contributing defensively with tackles and interceptions.

Shooting Ability: Demonstrates a powerful and accurate shot from both inside and outside the box.

Tactical Intelligence: Reads the game well, making clever runs and positioning himself effectively.

His playing style has drawn comparisons to players like Ilkay Gündoğan and Hakan Çalhanoğlu – midfielders who combine technical ability with relentless energy. He primarily operates as a central midfielder but is versatile enough to play in attacking midfield roles.

Previous Clubs & K League 1 Performance

Before his move to Nantes, Kwon Hyuk-kyu spent his entire professional career with Ulsan Hyundai in the South Korean K League 1. He quickly established himself as a key player, showcasing his talent and consistency.

Ulsan Hyundai (2022-2025):

Appearances: 85+ (across all competitions)

Goals: 15+

Assists: 10+

K League 1 Winner: 2023

K League 1 Young Player of the Year: 2024

His performances for Ulsan Hyundai earned him recognition as one of the most promising young talents in South Korea, attracting interest from several European clubs.

Nantes’ Scouting Report & Tactical Fit

Nantes’ scouting team identified Kwon Hyuk-kyu as a crucial addition to bolster their midfield options. Manager Pierre Aristouy is reportedly impressed by Kwon’s ability to dictate play and contribute to both attack and defense.

Tactical System: Nantes typically employs a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. kwon is expected to slot into the central midfield role, providing energy, creativity, and defensive solidity.

Key Attributes for Nantes: His passing range will be vital in breaking down opposition defenses, while his work rate will complement the existing midfield structure.

Potential Partnership: A potential midfield partnership with Florent Mollet could prove especially effective, combining Mollet’s experience and creativity with Kwon’s dynamism and physicality.

International Career & South Korea National Team

Kwon Hyuk-kyu has also represented South Korea at various youth levels and has recently broken into the senior national team.

Senior Debut: Made his debut for the South Korea national team in March 2025, in a kind against Colombia.

National Team Role: Expected to play a key role in South Korea’s upcoming World cup qualifying campaign.

Competition for Places: Faces competition from established midfielders like Hwang In-beom and Lee Jae-sung, but his recent form suggests he is quickly becoming a vital member of the squad.

Financial Implications & Nantes’ Transfer Strategy

The €12 million transfer fee represents a significant investment for Nantes, but it aligns with their strategy of acquiring young, talented players with high potential. The club has been actively rebuilding its squad in recent seasons,focusing on players who can contribute both on and off the pitch. The inclusion of a release clause suggests Nantes are confident in Kwon’s development and potential to attract further interest from bigger clubs in the future. This could lead to a profitable resale in the coming years.

Kwon Hyuk-kyu: What to Expect in Ligue 1

Adapting to a new league and country will be a challenge for Kwon Hyuk-kyu, but his talent and work ethic suggest he is well-equipped to succeed in Ligue 1.

Physical Demands: Ligue 1 is known for its physicality and intensity.kwon will need to adjust to the faster pace and more robust challenges.

Tactical Nuances: The tactical approach in Ligue 1 differs from the K League 1.He will need to quickly learn the nuances of European football.

Language Barrier: Overcoming the language barrier will be crucial for integrating into the team and the local community.