Celtic are reportedly closing in on the signing of two Korean stars with Yang Hyun-Jun and Kwon Hyeok-Kyu on their way to the Scottish Premiership from Gangwon FC and Busan IPark respectively.
While there may be an element of ‘bolt from the blue’ about this sudden update, make no mistake. These are two transfers weeks – even months – in the making.
Not long ago, it looked as if Celtic would be left frustrated in their pursuit of Yang Hyun-Jun; a stylish, flexible wide player who could potentially fill a Jota-shaped hole in Brendan Rodgers’ frontline.
Gangwon FC, struggling near the bottom of the K-League table, were determined to keep Yang until the turn of the year. But with the 21-year-old making it clear that he was desperate to secure a ‘dream’ move to Parkhead sooner rather than later – and with Celtic agreeing a fee of £2.1 million – there has been a timely thawing of Gangwon’s stance.
So much so that, according to Korean publicatin Sport Chosun, Yang is now set to become Celtic’s third signing of the summer. He will after Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio at Parkhead.
Celtic close in on £2.1 million Yang Hyun-Jun deal
“We decided to positively review the move to Europe,” Gangwon CEO Kim Byung-Ji said last week. “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.”
Chosun add that Celtic should also complete the signing of another Korean starlet.
22-year-old Kwon Hyeok-Kyu has been a target since 2021/22. And an insider with knowledge of the situation believes that there is now a ‘high possibility that the transfer will be completed’ before September 1st.
Kwon, who plays in the Korean second-tier with Busan IPark, is a technically-gifted, deep-lying midfield player. Comparisons with Manchester City’s Rodri are testament to Kwon’s excellent positional sense and his impressive passing range.
Sport Chosun do not explain how much Celtic will pay for Kwon. But Busan should receive a ‘fairly large transfer fee’ for a player who first caught the Hoops’ eye during a loan spell with Gimcheon Sangmu over a year ago.
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