Bae Jun-ho is a South Korean attacking midfielder who plays for Stoke City. At 22, he remains part of South Korea's wider 2026 picture because he brings creative passing, space finding, and final-third decisions at both club and international level.
Bae Jun-ho was born on 21 August 2003 in Daegu, Korea. He plays in EFL Championship and has 11 senior caps for South Korea. His current role is easier to understand through reliability and tactical fit than through headline numbers alone.
Early Life and Background
Birthplace, family, and youth football journey
Bae Jun-ho was born in Daegu, Korea, where his football development began before he moved into more structured academy football.
His route into senior football was steady rather than sudden. Early development laid the base for the positional discipline and match control that later defined his game.
Club Career
Early clubs and development
After impressing in his debut season in the Korean top flight and for the South Korea U20 team, he moved to European football with English Championship club Stoke City in August 2023.
In January 2022, following interest from a number of clubs across Europe, as well as former club Daegu, he signed for K League 2 side Daejeon Hana Citizen.
Current club and recent form
He has been with Stoke City since 2023, and recent market tracking places him at around €3.00 million. Even without a major transfer story around him right now, that profile suggests a player who still holds clear value for his club.
At club level, his recent form should be read in context. For a attacking midfielder, influence is not always captured by simple goals-and-assists numbers, because the role can be built around structure, control, or defensive work.
Bae Jun-ho - Stats and Performance
Bae Jun-ho's current club-season line with Stoke is 36 appearances, 2 goals, and 3 assists in Championship. For a midfielder, that mix gives a better picture of workload and end product heading into the FIFA World Cup 2026.
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/2026 | Stoke | 36 | 2 | 3 |
Those totals point to a player carrying real week-to-week responsibility for Stoke. The balance between appearances, goals, and assists gives a much clearer view of current level than reputation alone.
International Career
Caps, goals, and major tournaments
He has 11 caps and 2 goals for South Korea in currently tracked records. That gives him a real place in the national-team conversation, even if the exact role can change from one camp to the next.
For 2026, selection will still depend on form, fitness, and how South Korea want to build their squad balance. Players who understand their role and execute it cleanly usually stay in the picture longer, and that is the strongest argument in his favor.
| National Team | Caps | Goals | Tournament Involvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 11 | 2 | South Korea senior squad involvement |
International football usually rewards trust, clarity, and tactical discipline. That is why his national-team outlook still depends as much on role fit as on headline form.
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Position, role, and standout qualities
Bae Jun-ho plays as a attacking midfielder and is valued for creative passing, space finding, and final-third decisions. He is at his best when the game asks for clear decisions, disciplined movement, and enough technical quality to keep his role stable under pressure.
The exact shape of his role can shift from match to match. Sometimes the priority is control, sometimes recovery work, and sometimes more direct involvement in transitions, but the common thread is tactical usefulness rather than unnecessary risk.
Personal Info and Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Bae Jun-ho |
| Date of birth | 21 August 2003 |
| Age | 22 |
| Nationality | South Korea |
| Height | 180 cm |
| Position | Attacking Midfield |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Stoke City |
| Jersey number | 10 |
| Weekly salary | £10,250 gross (approx.) |
| Estimated net worth | £1.55 million (approx. estimate) |
Transfer News and Market Value
Current transfer records show Stoke City as his club heading into 2026, with the move dating from 2023. Recent market-value tracking places him at about €3.00 million.
Unless a new official move is confirmed, the safest reading is that he remains tied to his current club. For players in his position, market value is usually shaped by age, recent usage, contract situation, and how well the profile fits different league styles.
Salary and Net Worth
Approximate salary estimates place Bae Jun-ho at about £10,250 gross (approx.) per week at Stoke City. That works out to roughly £533,000 per year before bonuses.
Approximate net-worth estimates place him around £1.55 million.
FAQs
How old is Bae Jun-ho and what is his nationality?
Bae Jun-ho is 22 years old and he represents South Korea.
Which club does Bae Jun-ho play for now?
He currently plays for Stoke City.
What position does Bae Jun-ho play?
He plays as a attacking midfielder.
Is Bae Jun-ho part of South Korea's national-team picture?
Yes. With 11 caps currently listed, he remains part of South Korea's wider selection picture.
What is Bae Jun-ho salary and market value?
Salary: £10,250 gross (approx.). Market value: €3.00 million.
Conclusion
Bae Jun-ho remains a useful player to track because his profile is built on role value, tactical fit, and experience rather than empty noise. That usually keeps a player relevant for longer, especially in a national-team setup that values clarity.
If he holds his place at Stoke City, he should stay in South Korea's 2026 conversation. The exact role may change from one window to the next, but the overall picture is stable.