Sounders FC today announced that it has signed defender Kim Kee-Hee. The 28-year-old Korean international comes to Seattle after nine professional seasons in Korea and China, most recently spending the last two seasons with Shanghai Shenua of the Chinese Super League. Kim is being added to Sounders FC's roster pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate. Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) was used to acquire Kim, making him the fifth Sounders FC player to be added to the First Team roster using TAM.
“We’re excited add Kim to our roster,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “He brings solid experience from some topflight leagues and international tournaments and gives us more depth at a vital position. We’ve been fortunate that our international signings over the past few seasons have improved our team and we’re looking forward to continuing that trend with Kim.”
Kim has spent the past two seasons with Shanghai Shenua of the Chinese Super League, starting all 45 of his appearances, including all 30 games of the 2016 campaign. Prior to Shanghai Shenua, Kim spent three seasons with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC of K League 1, the topflight division in South Korea, where he made 80 appearances from 2013-2015 and won league titles in 2014 and 2015. His pro career began in 2011 with South Korean club Daegu FC, where he spent two seasons before being loaned to Qatari side Al-Sailiya SC for the 2012-2013 campaign.
“Kim is a strong, experienced player that we believe will be a good addition to our defense,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “His signing gives us very good options at center back going forward, and I’m excited to see how he integrates to the squad.”
In addition to his two K League 1 titles in 2014 and 2015, Kim led Shanghai Shenua to the 2017 Chinese FA Cup title and a spot in the AFC Champions League, where he made one appearance. The center back has 23 caps for the South Korean National Team, including six appearances during South Korea’s successful run in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying.
“Kim is a player who has had a lot of success in the top leagues in Asia, and it’s always good to add players with winning pedigrees and experience in top competitions,” said Sounders FV VP of Soccer & Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “On top of that, he has a very good tactical understanding of the center back position, and we look forward to seeing him help our already strong defense.”
Sounders FC season tickets are still available, including new 2018 seating options in the 300 level, with full information available at SoundersFC.com or by calling 877-MLS-GOAL. For complete information, details and pricing on 2018 Sounders FC season tickets, fans should call 877-MLS-GOAL or email Sales@SoundersFC.com. Complete information on all Sounders FC ticket packages can be found at SoundersFC.com/Tickets. Single-match tickets are available for all 17 MLS home matches and the club's Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League matchup on March 1 vs. Salvadoran side Santa Tecla FC. Seating for all games is subject to availability at time of purchase. Single-match tickets can be purchased via the following link: SoundersFC.com/Tickets/Single-Match-Tickets.
The Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League match on March 1 vs. Santa Tecla FC at CenturyLink Field is included in 2018 Season Ticket Membership packages. Should the club advance to the Quarterfinal Round of the CONCACAF Champions League, the home match scheduled for March 7 at CenturyLink Field would serve as the 19th game in the Season Ticket Membership package. If Seattle advances to that stage of the tournament, the club would face the winner of storied Mexican club Chivas Guadalajara versus Dominican side Cibao.
Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC signs defender Kim Kee-Hee on February 27, 2018 using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).
Name: Kim Kee-Hee
Position: Defender
Height: 6-2
Weight: 175
Born: July 13, 1989 in Busan, South Korea
Hometown: Busan, South Korea
Citizenship: South Korea
Acquired: Signed on February 27, 2018 using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM)
Previous Experience: Shanghai Shenua (2016-2017), Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (2013-2016), Al-Sailiya (2012-2013), Daegu FC (2011-2013)
