WK League News

22-year old South Korea international Kim Shinji has joined Deportivo Alavés Gloriosas on loan for the duration of the 2026-27 season, the Spanish club announced yesterday. Midfielder Kim, who is under contract at AS Roma until June of next year, spent the 2025-26 season at Scottish club Rangers.

Originally from Busan, Kim Shinji came through the youth system in the southeastern city of Pohang, playing for Sangdae Elementary School, Pohang Hangdo Middle School, and Pohang Girls’ Electronic High School before joining the elite side at nearby Uiduk University.

Kim signed a two-year deal with AS Roma in 2025, becoming the first Korean woman to play professional football in Italy. Shortly afterwards, she joined Rangers on a season-long loan. During her time at the SWPL club, Kim made 23 appearances across all competitions, recording seven goals and five assists, and becoming popular with the club’s supporters. Her consistent performance throughout the season also earned her a place in the PFA Scotland SWPL Team of the Year, voted on by players.

Since her full international debut in late 2024, she has also become a key member of Shin Sangwoo’s South Korea squad, contributing to the side’s victory at last year’s EAFF E-1 Football Championship. She made her major tournament debut at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, playing in all of South Korea’s matches and scoring her debut international goal in the team’s dramatic 3-3 draw with hosts Australia.

Kim will now spend the 2026-27 season with Deportivo Alavés Gloriosas, who are back in Spain’s top division Liga F for the first time since being relegated to the Primera Federación at the end of the 2022-23 season. Announcing the signing, Alavés described Kim as “a midfielder with great balance and vision” who “stands out for her tactical intelligence and ability to read the tempo of the game”.