It wasn’t exactly a secret in the end when Celtic officially announced the signing of new striker, Oh Hyeon-gyu, from Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Rumours had been floating around for a few days that he was already in Glasgow. Behind the scenes though, the work to sign the player had been going on for much longer than that.
Much of the fans’ focus on social media in December and January was on Celtic bringing in South Korean World Cup star, Cho Gue-sung, to Parkhead. After that move failed to transpire, we saw the name of Oh emerge as a possible alternative target.
Thus, the belief has been that Celtic only ended up making a move for Oh when they could not sign Cho. The reality appears to be quite different though as it looks like Ange Postecoglou has been waiting to sign the 21-year-old for a while.
As reported by the club’s official website, while speaking to Celtic TV, Postecoglou said:
"“I’m really pleased. He’s someone that Mark Lawwell and myself identified really early on.“We thought he’d be the first one through the door but it’s fair to say that it’s taken a while to get the negotiations done and to get him here.“It’s really credit to the player himself and to Michael Nicholson for their perseverance because there were times when I thought it wasn’t going to happen, but they both persevered to get it done.“So it’s great to have him here. I’m sure he’ll add to our football club. I’m really excited by the potential he has but also the impact he can make straight away. I just think he’s a really good fit for us.”"
Celtic boss makes unexpected Oh transfer claim
Rumours have suggested that Suwon Samsung Bluewings were reluctant to let the 21-year-old striker leave. That’s no surprise as he was in top form during the 2022 K League campaign as well, despite the club’s struggles as a team last season.
But it looks like Celtic and the player himself continued to work to get a deal agreed and in the end that drive and determination has paid off.
Postecoglou and the fans will be delighted to have a player who seemed so determined to be at the club.
Oh already looks an exciting prospect and if he brings that drive to his efforts on the pitch there is every chance he’ll be a great success at Celtic.
There is expected to be an immediate spot to fill for him in the squad as well, as Giorgos Giakoumakis is expected to complete an exit this month.