According to Korea Football News, Kwon Hyeok-kyu is set to join Celtic from Buson Park.
The midfielder hasn’t been mentioned so far in speculation over Celtic’s signing targets but was discussed in January, it looks like that interest has been followed up while most media attention has been on signing Gangwon winger Yang Hyun-jun.
No fee has been mentioned for Kwon who is 22-years-old and has been capped by South Korea at every level except for the full international side.
With Odin Thiago Holm joining last month from Valerenga it seems that Rodgers has identified midfield as an area that he wants to strengthen, perhaps partly in response to Aaron Mooy retiring.
Additionally David Turnbull is in the final year of his contract while Reo Hatate is likely to attract offers either in this transfer window or in January.
Celtic have agreed a deal to sign Gangwon FC winger Yang Hyun-jun. The fee agreed between the two clubs is understood to be worth around €2.5m.
Celtic are also set to sign Busan IPark midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu. (Sports Chosun) #kleague pic.twitter.com/tvK8tBkvaN
— Korea Football News (@KORFootballNews) July 14, 2023
Clearly Celtic are impressed by the impact made by Oh Hyeon-gyu who cost around £2m, with Yang costing 2.5m euros it seems that the Korean market offers better value than most European leagues.
In January Sportschosun reported:
An official familiar with the K-League transfer market said, “Celtic sent an offer to recruit Kwon Hyuk-kyu to Busan. They are not just willing to recruit, but are active enough to offer a fairly large transfer fee.” If Kwon Hyuk-gyu succeeds in going to Celtic, another young K-League will go directly to Europe after Jeong Sang-bin (grasshopper loan), who transferred to Wolverhampton, England in January 2022.
Kwon Hyuk-gyu is one of the promising players who will lead Korean football. It is regarded as a masterpiece created by the Busan youth system. His ability was recognized enough to sign a semi-professional contract for the first time in the K-League 2 in 2019, when he was in his third year at Kaesong High School.
He started in an away game against Jeonnam Dragons in September 2019, played until his debut, and was well received for his good play. Kwon Hyuk-gyu, who signed an official contract with Busan, which was promoted to the first division in 2000, played 16 league games. In the 11th round against FC Seoul, he even scored his professional debut goal. Although Busan was relegated, Kwon Hyuk-gyu’s play received a lot of attention.
Kwon Hyuk-gyu enlisted in the military right away, and his ability was recognized in Sangmu. He was active as a main player even in the midst of K-League star players. His main position, defensive midfielder, as well as central midfielder and even a three-back, showed off his versatility. Based on these performances, he was also selected for the Olympic team. He also played in the 2022 U-23 Asian Cup. Hyukkyu Kwon returned to Busan after being discharged in September.
Celtic paid attention to Kwon Hyuk-kyu, who showed potential even at his young age. In particular, attention was paid to his European physique of 1m90-83kg, high-level speed and excellent technique. Celtic has been watching Kwon Hyuk-kyu since his days as a managing director, and showed continued interest even after his return to Busan, giving him a passing grade. Celtic sent several offers early on. There was no giving up. Celtic recently sent an offer with a higher transfer fee again, and is known to be waiting for an answer from Busan. Kwon Hyeok-gyu, who had been aiming to advance to Europe since his childhood, is showing a willingness to take on the challenge.
CLICK HERE for Kwon’s Transfermarkt profile.
