The Jung Hwan Ahn saga took another twist yesterday when it was revealed that the South Korean has no intention of staying at his Italian club Perugia.
Ahn had been on loan to Perugia for much of last season from his South Korean club Pusan Icons, with Perugia also having a clause that allowed them to purchase Ahn at the end of his loan spell.
Perugia Chairman Luciano Gaucci was furious with the midfielder after he scored South Korea’s golden goal winner against Italy in their World Cup second round match last week. Gaucci said he was sacking Ahn, saying that he had no intention of paying a salary to someone who had “ruined Italian soccer”.
Earlier this week, Perugia recanted and tried to complete the signing of Ahn on a permanent basis. But now Ahn’s management say they have refused Perugia’s offer and are now considering other options.
Several English and Spanish clubs are monitoring the situation, with Chelsea, Valencia and Manchester City in the frame. But Belgian club Anderlecht are the new favourites to land Ahn, who would relish the opportunity of joining up with his international team-mate Ki Hyon Seol.
