Celtic could soon reach a breakthrough in their pursuit of a £2 million deal for Gangwon FC’s K-League forward Yang Hyun-jun.
A potential replacement for the dearly departed Jota at the Scottish Premiership champions, Yang Hyun-jun has never made any attempt to hide his desire to seal a ‘dream’ move to Parkhead over the coming weeks.
The problem is, the Gangwon chiefs did not exactly share his enthusiasm for an imminent Celtic switch.
Gangwon are struggling near the bottom of the K-League table after a dismal start to the new campaign. They had hoped to retain their 21-year-old prized asset for the remainder of the calendar year too, with the K-League season running throughout the summer and until the autumn.
Gangwon’s stance, however, appears to have thawed in recent days. There is now a reluctant acceptance that forcing a frustrated Yang to stay against his will might not be the desired outcome.
Celtic handed boost in Yang Hyun-jun chase
The club’s CEO, Kim Byung-ji, now tells Sports Chosun and Kado that Yang may now be allowed to leave after all.
“We decided to positively review the move to Europe,” Kim explains. “A transfer can be made, even in the summer at the earliest.
“That doesn’t mean (Yang is) going unconditionally. Consultations between the clubs are necessary. Together with Yang Hyun-jun, we will set the direction.”
“(The negotiations) are probably going well.”
Celtic have reportedly agreed a fee of £2.1 million with Gangwon, having seen a previous offer of £1.7 million fall short. Yang, skilful, exciting and flexible enough to play on either flank, could join fellow wideman Marco Tilio as Brendan Rodgers looks to fill a sizeable creative void created by Jota’s £25 million move to Saudi Arabia.
“I had a meeting with Yang Hyun-jun at the Gangneung clubhouse (on Wednesday),” Kim adds.
“I still believe in the skill that Yang Hjun-jun has. However, we have to consider the impact of the current situation at the club as well. As on the player himself.
“A transfer is only possible when the details are negotiated. No one knows what will happen in the middle of the process. However, both clubs and players are positively reviewing the situation.”
Yang scored eight goals and set up four more for Gangwon in the 2022 K-League season.
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