Nam makes Lekhwiya debut

Promising South Korea international Nam Tae-Hee has debuted for Qatar club Lekhwiya just days after moving from Ligue 1 side Valenciennes.

The Busan-born midfielder, who had been mostly used off the bench by incoming Valenciennes boss Daniel Sanchez this term, was a 63rd-minute substitute in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Al Kharitiyath.

Valenciennes president Jean-Raymond Legrand revealed the move last week before the formalities were completed in time for Sunday’s match.

Nam has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Qatari champions who currently lead the Stars League and will compete in the 2012 AFC Champions League.

The move sees Nam link up with ex-Valenciennes team-mate Djamel Belmadi who is the current coach of Lekhwiya.

Nam’s agent Kim Dong-Gook explained the move.

“Tae-Hee is not playing as a regular member for Valenciennes. Since he is not playing enough, he is worried about his physical fitness as well,” he told JoongAng Daily.

The 20-year-old, who has made seven senior appearances for his country, is seen as a replacement for Iraq international Nashat Akram who was recently released.