Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is reportedly looking to continue tapping into the Asian transfer market, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou.
According to recent reports, Rodgers has set his sights on two more stars from the K-League, after submitting a firm bid for another promising winger.
Reports from Asia have indicated that Celtic has launched a bid for Gangwon FC winger Yang Hyun-Jun.
The Daily Record has now claimed that Gwangju’s Eom Ji-sung and Jeong Ho-yeon are also on Celtic’s radar. They say that Celtic have offered a ‘significant’ bid for the duo.
These potential signings are being overseen by Parkhead transfer guru Mark Lawwell, who received high praise from Rodgers in his first club TV interview since his return to Scotland.
However, the club’s final offer has been made for Yang Hyun-Jun, who has been involved in Jurgen Klinsmann’s international squads. Despite Celtic’s firm bid, Gangwon FC is proving to be a tough negotiator.
Gangwon FC’s Director, Kim Tae-joo, confirmed the bid but stated:
“No, we will not transfer Yang this summer. The transfer fee is not a big problem. However, the priority is to consider the current team situation.”
He further added that Celtic is insistent on recruiting Yang this summer, despite Gangwon FC’s preference to hold onto the player until the winter, with it possible that the clubs could agree on a deal that would see the transfer happen in six months time.
“We also conveyed the position we wouldn’t release Yang to Celtic for six months and then send him in the winter but Celtic is sticking to the position of wanting to recruit Yang during this summer.”
Celtic has previously had success in the Korean market, having signed Oh-yeon-gyu and narrowly missing out on Cho Gue-sung in January, who looks set for a move to England this summer.
The club’s continued interest in Asian players demonstrates a strategic approach to recruitment, identifying and securing talent from markets that may offer high-quality players at reasonable costs.
As Rodgers prepares for his first season back at Celtic Park, these potential signings could play a crucial role in strengthening the squad and maintaining Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football. Fans will be eagerly watching the transfer market in the coming weeks, anticipating the arrival of new talent to bolster the Hoops’ ranks.
