Newcastle United suffered their third consecutive pre-season defeat after losing 1–0 to a composed K-League XI side in Suwon, South Korea.
The hosts took the lead in the 36th minute through Jin-gyu Kim, who curled a precise finish into the top corner after cutting inside from the right. The K-League team, currently mid-season and in sharp form, displayed greater cohesion and energy throughout the match.
Newcastle struggled to match the intensity, hindered further by the hot and humid conditions. Several fringe players and youth prospects, including debutants Seung-soo Park and Max Thompson, were introduced in the second half but were unable to change the outcome.
A major concern for the Magpies came late in the game when midfielder Joe Willock went down with an apparent ankle injury and had to be stretchered off. Manager Eddie Howe expressed concern over the severity but remained hopeful it was not serious.
This result follows earlier defeats against Arsenal and Celtic, highlighting issues in both attack and defence as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Newcastle’s pre-season form, coupled with limited transfer activity and the absence of key players like Alexander Isak, adds pressure ahead of their Premier League opener against Aston Villa on August 16.
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