Over the past few months, Celtic have been linked with quite a few defensive midfielders. It seems to be a position where they are keen to strengthen, having seen their side struggle to control the middle of the park in important games last season. Incidentally, they already have one on their books who did quite well away on loan.
There has been little to no talk about Kwon Hyeok-kyu's performances for Hibernian since he left Celtic on loan to join them. He played a part in Hibs' strong performance last season. Yet, it does not look like the South Korean midfielder has much of a future at Parkhead.
There are other clubs in Europe interested in signing him though. In fact, it has emerged that an Austrian Bundesliga team tried to sign Kwon last summer as well but were not in a position to do so.
FK Austria Wien can reignite their interest in signing the Celtic midfielder this summer and he is believed to be open to the idea of an exit as well. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Mark Hendry wrote on his Substack:
"It is understood the Bundesliga club are keen to take the 24-year-old to Austria and Kwon is open to a Parkhead exit.
“We understand Vienna actually attempted to bring Kwon to the club last summer on a loan swoop.
“However at the time the club were unable to take any more foreign players on loan having already exhausted the limit in the league which is a maximum of six.
“Now they are considering a move for the Korean under-23s cap who could depart Celtic Park on a permanent move.
“It is understood Stephan Helm is on the lookout for a player who can play in the No.6 role and he likes Kwon for that spot.
“Kwon can leave the Scottish Premiership giants for the right fee and if the circumstances are ideal for all parties."
Bundesliga club weighing up move for Celtic midfielder open to exit
Will Kwon leave Celtic this summer? It is very possible. The fact that the club have been linked with so many midfielders despite having him in their ranks goes to suggest that he is not highly-regarded at Parkhead and it could be the right time to secure a move elsewhere, having shown what he is capable of in Hibernian colours.
Yet, it is also worth mentioning that Kwon missed a ton of games in the second half of the season, not playing after mid-February. That absence coincided with Hibernian's best run of form in the 24/25 campaign. So, they certainly did not miss him on the pitch.
It remains to be seen if Austria Wien do end up making a move for Kwon this summer or not. If they do, Celtic are expected to consider it. The South Korean midfielder has never even made a senior appearance for the Hoops, which goes on to show that Brendan Rodgers does not rate him very highly.
Kwon joined Celtic in the summer of 2023, but after not appearing a single time for the club in the first half of the season, he joined St Mirren on loan in the 2024 winter transfer window. That was followed by his recent spell with Hibernian. Let's see what the future holds for the South Korean youth international next. A move away from Parkhead seems pretty likely as things stand.
Celtic were believed to have signed Kwon from Busan IPark for a transfer fee in the region of £1 million. So, if they can bring in anything over that figure, it would have to be considered a positive.