The South Korea player, after receiving no calls from the K-League, started his professional career in Japan with Kyoto Purple in 2000.

CNN: Park Ji-Sung - A national icon

The increase isn't unprecedented the major league K-rate rose by around 33% between 1951 and 1960 but it is disorienting.

WSJ: Why Matt Harvey Is Not Dwight Gooden

But the Merseysiders are top of Europa League Group K after they earned a 0-0 draw against Napoli on Thursday.

BBC: Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson insists he will not resign