Celtic were interested in a transfer for Cho Gue-Sung of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors over the January window. Now, Park Ji-Sung has hinted a move to Scotland could suit their forward.
The Jeonbuk technical director believes a move to the Premiership would give the 25-year-old a chance to adapt to European football. Park also identifies Celtic as a ‘great’ club that could offer UEFA action next season. They top the Scottish top-flight table after 26 fixtures.
Celtic endured a frustrating time in the Champions League this term as Ange Postecoglou’s squad finished last in Group F. The Hoops only claimed two points after drawing twice with Shakhtar Donetsk. It was their first time back in the group stage since the 2017/18 season.
Bhoys boss Postecoglou also had to refresh his frontline over the mid-season market with Giorgos Giakoumakis departing. The Scottish Sun cited Cho as a target with Celtic making Jeonbuk an offer for his transfer. The Hoops were also optimistic of a securing a deal, too.
Celtic offered Jeonbuk £2.5m plus a 50% sell-on clause for any future transfer worth up to £5m to sign Cho. Yet they were rivalling a £4.5m upfront offer from Minnesota United. The MLS franchise were also prepared to include a 30% sell-on clause in a deal for the forward.
Jeonbuk chief Park hints Cho should use a transfer to Celtic as a stepping stone
Jeonbuk chief Park has now confirmed to Football Scotland that Celtic submitted an offer for Cho’s transfer. But the Bhoys did not hold any direct talks as an intermediary tabled a bid on their behalf. While the South Korea attacker ultimately did not depart this January.
But Park does not rule out Cho leaving Jeonbuk in the future and has hinted that a transfer to Celtic could suit the striker. The former Manchester United midfielder believes playing in Scotland can prove to be a fair stepping stone to forging a career in Europe’s top leagues.
“Celtic is a great club and many in Europe and Asia know that,” Park notes. “They are the leading club in Scotland so, probably, they’ll join the Champions League or Europa League.
“The Scottish league, I know there are some Japanese players there and there have been Korean players in Ki Sung-Yeung and Cha Du-Ri. So, I think it’s great to play in Scotland – great for Asian players.
“Not going straight to the Premier League or one of the top-five leagues, that could be better for him to adapt to the standard. There’s a path to succeed for Asian players.”
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