After missing out on a place in the round of 32 on goal difference, South Korea are heading home from the World Cup.

Everything looked like it was going to plan for the Taegeuk Warriors, after a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their opening match, but two successive defeats, to co-hosts Mexico and then to South Africa, have cost them dearly.

As with many nations who have high hopes of their side making a big push at the tournament, it sparked national outrage when it was confirmed they’d play no further part at the World Cup, but one post online has gone way too far, targeting the manager and former captain of the national side, Hong Myung-bo.

South Korea Boss Subjected to Death Threats Online

In the wake of their exit, South Korean police have now launched an investigation after a violent death threat was posted online targeting Hong, one of Korea’s best players of all time. The post, made by someone who is supposedly a 41-year-old American citizen, threatened to kill Hong at Incheon International Airport upon his return home.

Authorities are now considering intimidation charges and working to track down the suspect’s identity, as public anger over the team’s tournament exit continues to brew.

The threat represents a serious escalation of frustration that has already manifested in several other forms. A doctored image circulated online appeared to suggest Hong ordered players to scatter upon his arrival at the airport, while “Hong Myung-bo banned” notices have reportedly been posted at restaurants and cafes across Gyeonggi Province.

The anger largely stems from Korea’s 0-1 defeat to South Africa in their final Group A match, which they were heavily backed to win and progress into the knockout rounds. Police have confirmed they are monitoring Incheon Airport and other potential locations closely to ensure Hong’s safety upon his return.

Hong Myung-bo’s Future

Kim Soo-Hyeon via Reuters

The situation reignited questions surrounding Hong’s controversial reappointment as head coach back in 2024, a decision that drew criticism over the transparency of the Korea Football Association’s selection process at the time.

A petition calling for his immediate dismissal had already gathered enough support to trigger an initial review by the National Assembly, and the president of South Korea was even involved, though Hong has since resigned from his position.

Even so, the emergence of direct threats against his safety has shifted attention away from those administrative matters entirely, with authorities now focused on protecting him and holding whoever issued the threat accountable.

Liverpool are said to have reached out to see if they can sign a high-profile midfielder this summer, but they have some work to do if they want to complete the deal. Andoni Iraola is hoping to put his own stamp on this Liverpool side before the summer is over, and he has already begun with the signing of compatriot Víctor Muñóz.

But beyond changing the identity of this team, Iraola also knows he has gaps to fill and areas to improve, with Mo Salah and Ibrahima Konate in need of replacing, while most also recognise the Reds need a dominant midfielder if they are going to content with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City.

With Declan Rice and Rodri respectively, both of the Premier League common have dominant midfielders in common, and having a strong pivot now feels as though it is a necessity in the modern game.

Liverpool check on Camavinga

According to Team Talk, Liverpool have reached out to Real Madrid to see if Eduardo Camavinga is available this summer. The 23-year-old midfielder is coming off the back of a season that saw him perform below his usual standards, although it’s true that Real Madrid disappointed on the whole.

Camavinga ended up missing out on the France World Cup squad, but he is still among the best midfielders in the World, and at 23 years of age, he has plenty of potential still to reach.

Interestingly, Mundo Deportivo have now followed up the report by adding that Real Madrid are willing to sell Camavinga this summer as they look to land a new midfielder. José Mourinho wants a world-beating midfield signing, and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is being heavily linked.

Camavinga is said to be available for around £51.7million, which is a tempting price for a player of Camavinga’s age and experience. The problem, according to the report, is that Camavinga currently has no intentions of leaving the Bernabeu, so he is going to have to be convinced by an interesting club before a deal can truly be on the cards.

Camavinga’s versatility stands out

The added value of a Camavinga deal is that he can quite comfortably play at left-back when called upon. Carlo Ancelotti said of the Frenchman playing full-back last year: “He’s a player with extraordinary qualities. He can play anywhere on the pitch, he’s special. He can play as a midfielder, or as a defender.”

A couple of years earlier, Ancelotti said: “He is taking advantage of the time he has played as a full-back to improve his boundaries.

“He is very young and he has to mature his experience and his tactical knowledge. Technically, he has nothing to learn and, physically, he has the engine of a Ferrari, not like a (Fiat) 500.”

Tottenham Hotspur are conducting a clear-out after a difficult past season and they have reportedly made a decision over one of their forwards.

According to football.london, Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi has informed Manor Solomon that he isn’t part of his plans. He is free to leave the Lilywhites after his loan at Fiorentina expired.

Solomon spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Villarreal in La Liga before heading to the Italian side in January. The Israeli attacker has found game time hard to come by throughout his time in North London.

Tottenham Ready to Offload Manor Solomon

Solomon joined Tottenham as a free agent in the summer of 2023 after leaving Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk. He had caught the eye in Ukraine but has lacked first-team opportunities with the Lilywhites.

The 26-year-old has spent spells on loan at Leeds United, Fiorentina, and Villarreal. He has made just six appearances for his parent club and is now headed for the exit door.

De Zerbi’s appointment is said to have given Solomon hope of potentially being handed a chance to win the coach over. The Italian has instead told the player to look for a move elsewhere.

There’s no word on which clubs may be keen on signing the Israeli, given his availability, but Leeds were expected to try and sign him permanently last summer. He had also been on Crystal Palace’s radar, but a late deal fell through once the Eagles decided to pull the plug.

A Mass Exodus is Anticipated

Solomon, previously dubbed “excellent” by Kevin De Bruyne, is one of several Spurs stars who will surely be shown the door by De Zerbi this summer. The club is focused on a major rebuild, and that includes offloading fringe players such as the Israeli attacker.

The transfer chiefs are already busy and have reunited De Zerbi with his former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke. A new attacker is on the wishlist, and the latest name to be linked is AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

Spurs are also overhauling De Zerbi’s midfield and have set their sights on Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. While their initial £75m bid has been rejected twice, the club remain focused on sealing a deal for the Italian midfielder.

There is uncertainty over the future of club captain Cristian Romero, which speaks volumes about the anticipated outgoings. Thus, Solomon isn’t the only one who might be departing the North London giants in the upcoming months.