Kwon Hyeok-kyu’s Celtic future looks all but over, with the Korean midfielder left out of the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal and talks ongoing over a permanent move away from Glasgow.
The 23-year-old was signed last summer from Busan IPark alongside countryman Yang Hyun-jun, but unlike his compatriot, Kwon failed to make any competitive appearance for the Hoops. Despite featuring in pre-season during his first summer, he has not been seen in a matchday squad since.
CeltsAreHere reported back in June that Austria Vienna had renewed their interest in signing Kwon after a failed attempt last year due to a league-imposed foreign player limit. That restriction is no longer an issue, and now fresh reports from Fussballeuropa suggest that Austria Vienna have formally ‘sounded out’ the player over a move.
Celtic, for their part, are not expected to stand in his way. The Scottish champions are reportedly looking for a modest transfer fee of between €200,000 and €300,000 (£170,000–£255,000) to part ways with the midfielder.
There is also said to be interest from clubs in Asia, though Austria Vienna appear to be the most advanced in their pursuit. With Kwon not involved in current preparations and unlikely to break into Brendan Rodgers’ plans, a move looks increasingly inevitable in the coming days or weeks.
