If a report from Yonhap News (cited by the Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic have tabled an offer for the rising South Korean sensation Yang Hyun-Jun. But his current employers Gangwon are determined to keep hold of him until the completion of the ongoing K-League campaign.
The Hoops intensified their scouting in the Far East, thanks to former boss Ange Postecoglou’s connections, contacts and coaching experience in Japan. The success of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate encouraged the Aussie boss to bolster his squad by roping in Tomoki Iwata, Hyeon-gyu Oh and Yuki Kobayashi earlier this year.
Despite conquering a domestic treble, Postecoglou decided to step down as the Celts’ chief for the Tottenham Hotspur job. The Glasgow giants moved quickly to re-appoint Brendan Rodgers, but they have not stopped exploring the Asian market given their interest in Yang.
After spending his youth years at Busan Information High School, the 21-year-old winger secured a key status in the Gangwon squad. They finished sixth last season in K League 1 and the youngster helped them achieve so by firing in 8 goals and registering 4 assists in 31 league outings.
Meanwhile, the Kodiaks are currently struggling at the wrong end of the league standings. They, therefore, are not willing to let him leave before the winter window. Director Kim Tae-Joo is even open to striking a deal this summer, but he would like to have him back on a loan for the rest of the year.
The transfer fee is not a big problem. However, the priority is to consider the current team situation.
“We also conveyed the position that we would release Yang Hyun-jun to the Celtic for six months and then send him to the winter, but Celtic is sticking to the position of wanting to recruit Yang Hyun-Jun this summer.”
Yang wants a move to Europe as revealed by Tae-Joo while speaking to N Sports (as quoted by the Daily Record).
Why Celtic Are Chasing His Signing
Celtic are well-equipped in the attacking third, but the versatility of the South Korean youth international must have convinced them for an immediate swoop. While he prefers to operate from the right-hand flank, his ability to slot in across the frontline makes him a perfect fit for Rodgers’ free-flowing football. Yang has also been utilized as a ‘number 10’ and the mentorship of the Northern Irishman could help him fulfil his potential in the coming days.
