K-League club targets Sydney FC's O'Neill

Korean club Pohang Steelers are looking to sign Sydney FC midfielder Brandon O’Neill.

Source: Getty Images

The World Game understands K League 1 outfit Pohang are in the market for a defensive midfielder and have set their sights on luring Australian O’Neill overseas. 

The 25-year-old has spent the past five years with the Sky Blues where he has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the A-League. He has made more than 100 appearances for Sydney FC and won two premierships, two championships and an FFA Cup with the club. 

O’Neill has previously attracted interest from English Championship clubs Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town. According to reports, in June Blackburn considered paying a fee of $640,000 to sign him.

In February last year O’Neill re-signed with the Sky Blues until the end of 2021.

At the time he said: “I’ve had a fantastic four seasons already at Sydney FC and can’t see myself at any other club right now. This club is built for success and we’re in a great position under Steve Corica.

“I do have ambitions to play at the very highest level and that’s a huge target for me, one that Sydney FC will do everything in their power to help me with. I’d do anything for this club and the people who belong to it, we have such a great family culture and that’s hugely important to me.”

In June 2019 the former Perth Glory midfielder earned his first Socceroo cap in a friendly against South Korea. He started in a 1-0 loss in Busan.

Pohang are one of the biggest clubs in Korea and finished fourth in the K League 1 last year. The Steelers last won the domestic league in 2013 and have claimed three Asian Champions League titles.

Sydney FC have been approached for comment.

This season O’Neill has made seven appearances for the Sky Blues, scoring one goal and notching three assists. He has missed the club’s past five matches with a knee injury.