The women’s division of the V-League is unusual. Although the season has just ended, attention is already focused on the next season. This is because Kim Yeon-kyung (Heungkuk Life Insurance), who obtained the qualification as a free agent (FA) player for the first time 18 years after her debut, suggested a willingness to extend her active service and the possibility of a transfer.
Kim Yeon-kyung unanimously won the regular league best player (MVP) at the 2022-2023 V-League Women’s Awards Ceremony on the 10th, and then announced her intention to extend her active service. Having mentioned the possibility of retiring at the end of the season, he said, “I’m thinking of doing a little more as a player.”
The biggest concern now is the next destination. Kim Yeon-kyung said, “We are negotiating with Heungkuk Life Insurance, and we are also talking with other clubs.” The first condition is the possibility of winning. Kim Yeon-kyung said, “I want to achieve a combined championship, so I am trying to choose a team that can do that.” He also said, “There are negative views on lowering the salary, but I want to go to a team that can win even if I endure (reducing the salary).” 안전놀이터
In general, when choosing a team with a high chance of winning, teams that already have championship history are considered. However, other options are open to Kim Yeon-kyung. This is because the very existence of Kim Yeon-kyung can elevate the team to a winning power. In fact, Kim Yeon-kyung put Heungkuk Life Insurance, which ranked 6th last season, at the top of the regular league this season. He stayed in the runner-up by one point, but it was possible to win the championship game.
There are also practical problems. Kim Yeon-kyung, who has already reached the age of 35, said, “She is thinking about a one- or two-year contract.” Kim Yeon-kyung belongs to Group A among free agents. In this case, Heungkuk Life Insurance can be compensated for 300% of the previous season’s annual salary or 200% of the annual salary and 1 player (excluding 6 protected players) against the new team. From the standpoint of the existing strong teams, they must be prepared to give their main power to take responsibility for the future of the team for a short-term contract with Kim Yeon-kyung.
It is for this reason that Pepper Savings Bank, which is at the bottom of the league, is being discussed as a possible destination. Except for Oh Ji-young, Lee Han-bi, and Lee Go-eun, most of Pepper Savings Bank are rookies. Relatively free from the issue of compensation players. The salary cap burden is also low. The longing for the so-called ‘core force’ is also strong. Pepper Savings Bank actively recruited last season, but only brought in Lee Go-eun. During the season, he also caused controversy by contacting Lee Jae-young, who was expelled due to school violence controversy. That’s why the will to strengthen power is great.
There is also a possibility that Kim Yeon-kyung, who has a large position in the volleyball world, will form the ‘Avengers’ with other players. Kim Su-ji (IBK Industrial Bank of Korea), who came out as a free agent this season, is an old friend of Kim Yeon-kyung, and they worked together for a long time in the national team. Kim Yeon-kyung said, “There is a player who is talking about playing together (next season),” and “I am talking about that because I know him very well and am close to him, but I think my decision will be important first.”
Last season’s V-League Women’s Division announced major changes in the free agent market. However, in reality, only one person transferred and it was just a breeze. But this time, it’s a different level of ‘big fish’. The deadline for free agency negotiations is 6 p.m. on the 22nd. What will happen to the league in this period of about 10 days left? It depends on Kim Yeon-kyung’s path.
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