North Korea’s Kwan-song extends Cagliari deal

North Korea international striker Han Kwan-song (pic) has extended his contract with Serie A side Cagliari until June 2023, the Italian club confirmed.

The 19-year-old – the first North Korean to play in Serie A – was loaned to Serie B side Perugia early this season where he flourished, scoring seven goals in 19 games, and attracted the interest of clubs including champions Juventus.

Kwan-song returned to his Mediterranean side last month to help the Sardinian outfit who are fighting relegation and has quickly earned the confidence of coach Luis Diego Lopez.

Kwan-song is still chasing his first goal this season with Cagliari even though he assisted Lenoardo Pavoletti’s goal in last week’s 2-2 draw against Lazio.

The official announcement came after Cagliari snatched a last-gasp 2-1 win over bottom club Benevento on Sunday.

The Sardinians had been hovering only two points clear of the bottom three this week but are now five points clear after beating Benevento.

Pavoletti’s glancing header cancelled out Enrico Brignola’s early goal for Benevento and a Niccolo Barella penalty kick in injury time giving the Sardinians breathing space.

Born in Pyongyang, Kwan-song, spent some of his youth at a football academy in Barcelona before returning to his homeland to join FC Chobyong.

He returned to Italy in 2015 playing with Cagliari’s academy side before joining the first team last season, making his Serie A debut, and scoring his first goal.

Kwan-song – who has been valued at €20mil (RM96mil) by Cagliari – had already signed a contract extension to continue to play for the Italian club until 2022. — AFP