Transfers: Daejeon Hana Citizen's summer recruits and how they'll fit in | OneFootball

In the midst of a relegation dogfight, Daejeon Hana Citizen have had to dip into their savings account somewhat to bring in some new faces. Daejeon have been busy, bringing in Kim Moon-hwan, Cheon Seong-hoon, Park Jeong-in and even securing the return of Masatoshi Ishida. But where will they all fit in?

Kim Moon-hwan, right back

With an 'attack is the best form of defence' approach, Kim Moon-hwan will likely start on the right hand side of Daejeon's midfield four in a 3-4-3. He'll be competing with vice-captain Kang Yoon-seong but Hwang Sun-hong wouldn't have signed him if he wasn't going to be starting. Kim can also play as a winger so could be deployed on the right-hand side of Daejeon's front three, particularly away from home. Kim, though, is said to still need time to get himself up to speed match fitness-wise. With injuries at left back too with Park Jin-seong also a short-term doubt, Kang Yoon-seong could be deployed from the left with Kim Moon-hwan on the right.

Cheon Seong-hoon, striker

With Vladislavs Gutkovskis injured and not expected back until August, and Peniel Mlapa seemingly unable to play a full 90, Cheon Seong-hoon will lead the line for Daejeon as the central striker in Hwang Sun-hong's 3-4-3. As he demonstrated in this 2-1 win over Gwangju, he's a cool customer in the box and looks to be exactly what Daejeon need up top.

Park Jeong-in, winger

Signed on loan from Seoul E-Land, Park Jeong-in will help flesh out the squad. Daejeon are low on numbers in the attacking third of the pitch due to injuries so Park will be someone Hwang Sun-hong uses off the bench or in rotation. The deal makes good sense for all involved as Park himself said that he sees this move as his last chance. After leaving Ulsan in 2020, Park showed promise in his first two seasons with Busan IPark but has struggled for form since then. and has managed just two goals and one assist in 30 appearances for Seoul E-Land.

Masatoshi Ishida, attacking midfielder

Image via Daejeon Hana Citizen press release

Masa's return is huge for Daejeon but where he plays will be interesting as it could signal a change in formation. Masa is most effective when he has space but in a midfield four, Masa might need to drop in alongside Ju Se-jong when Daejeon are out of possession. But when deployed in a midfield four, he tends to be a bit restricted and stifled. He can play as a striker but Daejeon have Cheon Seong-hoon to lead the line, and Gutek when he returns from injury. Masa has come back to Daejeon to play regularly so it'll be up to Hwang Sun-hong - a long-time admirer of the former Ansan Greeners man - to find the right position for him.

Kim Min-woo, utility player

Kim Min-woo (R) in action for Korea U23s (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Kim Min-woo, who joins Daejeon from Fortuna Düsseldorf's second string, can play in a number of positions. Under Hwang Sun-hong for the Korea U23s, Kim has been used in central midfield, as a holding midfielder, or at left back. Daejeon have, on occasions, been playing right back Oh Jae-suk on the left so Kim's arrival could at a bit of balance to the side. In the short term, Kim will most likely be a player who's eased into the setup and will feature as and where he's needed.