Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors chief Park Ji-Sung is ‘happy’ to sell Celtic target Cho Gue-Sung this summer. The Hoops were confident of sealing a transfer in January after tabling a bid.
That was according to The Scottish Sun, which reported Parkhead chiefs were optimistic of edging out MLS outfit Minnesota United. Both clubs had made Jeonbuk offers for Cho after a standout season last year. But Park has confirmed that no club made a suitable proposal.
Celtic were ready to pay Jeonbuk £2.5m for Cho’s transfer. The Hoops’ bid also featured a 50% sell-on clause of any move up to £5m. Minnesota also offered a sell-on clause of 30%. But the Allianz Field natives were willing to pay £4.5m up front for the 25-year-old to join.
Cho worked his way onto the transfer shortlists at Celtic and Minnesota with 21 goals in 35 games last year. He offered 13 goals over 24 games whilst on loan with Gimcheon Sangmu before netting eight in 11 for Jeonbuk. While his efforts also returned a World Cup call-up.
Paulo Bento took the forward to Qatar and played Cho in all four of South Korea’s fixtures. The forward would score twice during the Taegeuk Warriors’ 3-2 defeat to Ghana in Group H. It was also his first of three starts before exiting the tournament come the Round of 16.
Park ‘happy’ for Celtic target Cho to leave Jeonbuk in the next transfer window
Jeonbuk technical director Park has now confirmed to Football Scotland that Celtic did not hold any direct talks with the K-League team over Cho’s transfer. An intermediary, instead, submitted a bid on the Bhoys’ behalf, while Bundesliga side FSV Mainz 05 held direct talks.
The former Manchester United midfielder has also stated that he will be receptive to bids for the forward this summer. But Park has urged Cho to show with Jeonbuk in 2023 that he can now deliver consistent output. Then, he would be confident that he can succeed in Europe.
“In the winter, there were a few clubs interested but we didn’t make a deal,” Park said. “But this summer, I am happy to sell him and I think he’ll be ready for his next step.
“First, he needs to do well in our league and keep up his level, then prove it himself and I’m sure he can go to Europe in the summer.”
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