Midfielder has confirmed Celtic interest in signing him

With official news from Celtic still to come to confirm the signing of South Korean winger, Yang Hyun-jun, from Gangwon FC, there is another player expected to join the club very soon. And it is very possible that the club might be aiming for a double announcement. Let’s see how things play out over the coming days.

Kwon Hyeok-kyu of Busan IPark appears to be on his way to Celtic as well. He is one of the most highly-rated players in South Korean football right now.

Kwon is a 22-year-old defensive midfielder. He had been linked with Celtic earlier in the year as well, when Ange Postecoglou was the manager of the club.

Postecoglou might no longer be at Celtic, having joined Tottenham Hotspur. But it seems as though the interest in players from the Asian leagues and Kwon in particular, have continued under new boss Brendan Rodgers.

Midfielder has confirmed Celtic interest in signing him

As reported by the Daily Record, Kwon has revealed the way he first heard about Celtic’s interest in signing him:

"“The first time I heard about a transfer to Celtic was from a sergeant in the army when I was at Gimcheon Sangmu, so it was an unusual way for me to find out! Then my agent confirmed the interest and told me I had an offer from a good club.“When I heard it was from Celtic, I was delighted. My first thought was that I would get the chance to play in the Champions League. This would be a great opportunity for me to improve my game and a huge chance to really challenge myself. So if I get another offer from this club or a club in Europe, I will take it.“But when I returned to Busan IPark, I had to go back to a relegated team. So I felt bad that they got relegated when I wasn’t able to help them. My ultimate ambition is to wear the jersey of South Korea.”"

Kwon has been capped at many youth levels for South Korea, and he remains keen to win a full international cap. A move to Celtic could certainly help with that.

Signing Kwon could well be an ideal move for the Hoops too. Postecoglou was more focussed on an attacking style of play and a defensive midfielder didn’t seem to fit in with that. Rodgers though, may see the value in adding that strength to the squad. The South Korean youth international has been likened to Rodri, so he is clearly very highly-rated in his homeland.

You’d have to think that this week would be perfect timing to finalise and announce a deal for both Yang and Kwon. Celtic are set to head out on a tour of Japan soon.