Celtic have almost all bases covered when it comes to their squad. The only issue that the Hoops face moving forward is players potentially leaving. And there are two pretty big names being linked with moves away this January. One is the club’s Croatian right-back, Josip Juranovic, and the other is Greek striker, Giorgos Giakoumakis.
While Celtic fans must be worried about the potential departure of a nailed on starter like Juranovic, the performance of Alistair Johnston in the Glasgow Derby against the Rangers does provide hope that the Canadian is capable of taking up the Croatian’s place in the team even if he did leave.
It is hard to see someone in the current squad who can do the same when it comes to Giakoumakis though. There is no other forward at Parkhead right now with similar attributes.
The club have been heavily linked with Cho Gue-sung though, who could be the perfect replacement for Giakoumakis.
Celtic must pull off £2.2 million transfer masterstroke this January
Rumours have suggested that Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will look for a transfer fee in the region of £2.2 million in order to let Cho leave and to be honest, that sounds like a very fair demand.
According to stats from Transfermarkt, Cho scored 21 goals and provided 5 assists in 35 appearances in the 2022 campaign.
Cho is a physical presence up top, just like Giakoumakis. And he showed that at the World Cup, with his two headed goals against Ghana. His overall play was immensely impressive as well though and he could be a good fit in Ange Postecoglou’s style of football.
It is pretty clear that the player himself is interested in a move to Europe, judging by some of his recent comments in the media. And Celtic are one of the clubs believed to be in talks to sign him, although they have not been able to agree a deal till now.