23 Aug 2026 09:17:50
Being reported that another obstacle has arisen in our pursuit of signing south korean left winger min su kim ☹️It is paramount that between the ages of 18-28 years old south koreans have to complete at least 18 months of military service 🤔 There is ways you can be exempt from doing this but it's another obstacle in signing players from countries that demand this is to happen 🤔I really like the look of this young winger to and hope it doesn't scupper the deal to sign him 🙏
23 Aug 2026 10:04:17
Why would it scupper a deal to sign him as he's 20? Typically, military service is expected to be served by 25, with standard overseas permissions extending to 27, and in some cases 28.
23 Aug 2026 10:04:24
Not many ways to exempt. Can be exempted if he wins either an Olympic medal or a medal at the Asian Games. He was not selected in the squad at the last tournament. If we sign him on a 4-year deal, he still has 4 years after he leaves to fulfill the requirements.
23 Aug 2026 10:16:06
And with our player trading model he'll likely be sold before the end of his contract. No issue here for me.
23 Aug 2026 10:32:05
If he signs for us and stays, say, 2/3 years, who's going to buy him after that, knowing he has to go and do 18 months military service?
23 Aug 2026 10:39:39
Our player trading model, Laudrup? What player trading model? It's not exactly taken off yet, has it?
23 Aug 2026 10:48:43
We are Rangers, he'd still have another 5 years or so to go after 2 to 3 years with Rangers. He can also still earn exemption in the next 7 to 8 years. Age 20 to 23, I wouldn't expect an issue. 24 to 25, there may be some haggling on price if military service is still expected. Beyond that, it becomes a real issue, imo.
23 Aug 2026 10:52:36
Having a player trading model and executing it effectively are two different things, OrangeT.
23 Aug 2026 11:11:14
It's a fair point, Coops. ANO some say you can postpone this to age 27, however, imagine he is at his prime and doing really well. Do you do it now and come back for a full career, missing some important development years? Big decision for the young lad.
I will say though I do agree with national service, and imo it should be brought back in the UK, police, NHS, Firebrigade, armed forces etc, 22 countries still do.
23 Aug 2026 11:44:03
You don't need to complete it till you're 28; he's got 8 years to win a gold medal. I'm sure if he's with us 2 seasons, teams will still buy him, lol. He'll still have 6 years till he's due to do it.
No high profile player in European football has ever been called back when he's played in one of the big leagues; there are always ways round it.
The club should have known about this anyway, and if it's only a problem now, it is amateur. I don't believe it is a problem, however.
23 Aug 2026 13:18:48
The latest trading model was only formalised under AC & Co a while after they took over. I don't think anyone expects them to sign and develop players and sell on for a significant fee in less than a year.
It'll take time to see the rewards, maybe even a couple years, but the purchases we're making / have made show it will happen.
For now though, they need to add some experience and some bit to accompany and develop the younger players.
23 Aug 2026 13:21:28
I'm quite happy if this blocks this transfer, maybe we'll go and spend the money on experienced forwards instead of more projects.
23 Aug 2026 16:03:47
Tjbb, I can picture all the wokes when they get the call.
23 Aug 2026 16:20:11
Wslgers4ever, Min Su Kim is a very talented young footballer and I want us to sign him. 🙏 Fair enough if you don't. 🤔
23 Aug 2026 16:22:09
Very good point, Coops, but one that can't be avoided.
I've pointed same out with Israeli players.
I remember Son had to do 12 months when he was at Spurs, so there won't be any exemptions for anyone.
Maybe we get 2 years out of him and sell him.
Good point though, mate.