Goalkeepers on the international transfer market will have a few more options starting January 1, 2026. The South Korean K League has lifted its ban on this position.
According to media reports, several South Korean clubs had complained about a quality problem in goal, prompting the K League to respond. This week, it lifted a ban that had been in place for more than 26 years, prohibiting the signing of foreign goalkeepers.
For the new 2026 season, which South Korea plays in the calendar year as usual, Club World Cup participants Ulsan HD and current league leaders Jeonbuk Hyundai will also be able to look abroad for players for this important position.
The league introduced the rule in 1999 to protect the playing time of domestic goalkeepers. At that time, however, there were only ten professional clubs. Today, there are a total of 26, with twelve first division clubs and 14 second division clubs.
“The increase in the number of clubs means that there are enough opportunities for domestic goalkeepers to play, even if foreign goalkeepers are allowed,” explained the K League.
The most prominent field players there include Jesse Lingard (formerly Manchester United, now FC Seoul) and former Schalke and Rostock player Dong-Gyeong Lee, who plays for the military club Gimcheon Sangmu. The league is primarily looking to the international transfer market for affordable Brazilian offensive players.
