Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of South Korea striker Cho Gue-Sung with Bundesliga outfit Mainz all-but ruling themselves out of the race, via BILD.
With two goals at the Qatar World Cup and with the 2022 K-League Golden Boot award tucked neatly under his armpit, Cho Gue-Sung will arrive in Glasgow – if that is to be his destination – following the most impressive year of his career.
Cho’s very own annus mirabilis. A dream move to European football is very much deserved. Some may argue overdue.
According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic are in talks with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, dropping a £2.6 million offer squarely on their coffee table. Local neighbours Rangers are still threatening to channel their inner-Chelsea with a late hi-jacking (Alan Nixon), but there is a real confidence at Parkhead that Cho will be wearing green-and-white come February.
While not quite a two-horse race – MLS outfit Minnesota United remain keen – the finish line appears to be in Celtic sights, Mainz failing to ever really get out of the starting blocks.
Celtic favourites to beat Rangers and Mainz to South Korea striker Cho Gue-Sung
“We like the player. That’s why we asked (about him),” explains sporting director Christian Heidel. “(But) if they can sell him at that price (nearly £3 million), Mainz 05 doesn’t matter.”
Minnesota’s £4.4 million bid currently dwarves that of Celtic. But, as Fabrizio Romano points out, the Hoops could sweeten the deal by offering Jeonbuk Motors are far larger sell-on clause; 50 per cent, compared to Minnesota’s proposed 30 per cent.
“Thanks to the love of many people, the opportunity (to move to Europe) seems to be coming. I will talk about it,” Cho, who scored 21 goals for Jeonbuk Motors in 2022, said back in December.
The 6ft 2ins targetman could replace Giorgios Giakoumakis at Parkhead. Contract talks between Celtic and the Greek international have broken down.
“The most important thing is to be able to play, rather than having a specific club you want. A player is at his coolest when he is playing. I want to go,” Cho adds.
“My strengths include heading, but I think defending is also my strength. I try to reduce the burden on defenders, midfielders, and goalkeepers by fighting from the front and participating in defending.
“Even when it is difficult, that seems to be my strength.”
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