Did Celtic make a big summer transfer mistake they’ll regret?

It’s always interesting to keep an eye on players after they have left Celtic. Some of those who didn't quite make it with the Hoops find fresh opportunities elsewhere and do well. Others may find themselves on a slippery downward slope even after departing Parkhead. One summer departee does seem to be finding form though.

Hyeon-gyu Oh joined Celtic from South Korean side, Suwon Bluewings, in January 2023 with high hopes surrounding him. He was supposed to be the replacement for Giorgos Giakoumakis in Ange Postecoglou's squad.

Plenty of effort and a few goals all showed some promise, but the player still struggled for consistent playing time. In the end, and especially after Adam Idah came in on loan last January, Oh dropped further down the pecking order and an exit became inevitable.

It wasn't a surprise when he was transferred to Belgian side, KRC Genk, this summer. It was viewed as the right move for all parties involved.

Did Celtic make a big summer transfer mistake they’ll regret?

For Oh, recent signs at Genk and for his national side look promising. He’s made eight appearances in the Belgian league for his new club, but mainly as a substitute. In the last four matches there, all off the bench, he has scored three goals and claimed an assist. 

That might earn him a more regular place in the Genk side. Or his habit of getting late goals might label him more as an impact sub. That’s also the case for the South Korea national team.

Oh has just added two more caps and two goals in this international break. A 68th-minute goal against Jordan secured a 2-0 win for South Korea. That was followed by him scoring again in their 3-2 win in the following game.

Oh looks to have his confidence back and is scoring regularly, even if only over a short period so far. That’s a good sign for the player and his new club. Does it mean the Hoops have made an error in parting ways with him so quickly though?

Definitely not. Often it takes a change to kickstart a player's career again. The move looks to have helped Oh, and even if he goes on to be the top scorer in Belgium this season, it could be a positive for the Hoops, if they have a sell-on clause.