Celtic were linked (Shields Gazette) with a move for Newcastle United’s midfielder Ki Sung-yueng in January. However, nothing materialised, and the Magpies went on to terminate the South Korean’s contract. Hence, he became available to sign on a free transfer.
Ki had reportedly headed back to his country to sign for Seoul FC. However, that move is said to be off according to the recent update by Shields Gazette. This means that Celtic can still effectively sign the midfielder on a free transfer.
Lennon’s comments regarding Ki from 2011
The 31-year-old ace had a spell with Celtic from 2010 to 2012 where Ki played under Neil Lennon. Regarding the midfielder, Lennon had said this in 2011 (Football Scotland), ”He’s a very important player to us. I rate him very highly. He can go on to be anything he wants to be. We think he is a class player, and we’re glad he’s here.”
Ki’s most effective spell came with Swansea City where he was a mainstay for them in midfield. The midfielder featured just four times for Newcastle this season, and his contract was terminated in January. He is vastly experienced at the Premier League level though as he made 187 appearances in the top flight and contributed with 15 goals and 11 assists.
Celtic’s Current Options In Midfield
Celtic have a settled midfield partnership of Scott Brown and Callum McGregor. Apart from that, Lennon can also rely on Olivier Ntcham who has been in impressive form in the second half of the campaign so far. The Hoops also signed a new defensive midfielder in Ismaila Soro. Nir Bitton can even fill in that role so; the Bhoys have a decent amount of depth in midfield.
Should Lennon Consider Signing Ki Again?
Ki is seen more as a defensive-minded midfielder. He is already 31, so he isn’t going to be around for long. Chris Waugh of the Athletic had revealed that the midfielder was on £60,000 a week contract with the Magpies. If Celtic wants to have any chance of signing Ki again, then the South Korean ace will have to take a massive pay cut.
Given the circumstances, we don’t see the need for the Bhoys to sign Ki again. The 31-year-old might bring the experience and quality in midfield, but Celtic are already well covered in that department. Ki Sung-yueng will also not have much resale value in the future. On a free transfer, many might feel that Ki can be a handy pick, but Celtic should instead look to give a young gun like Soro more chances when the opportunity arises.
