Incoming Celtic recruit, Yang Hyun-jun has revealed his sorrow at the untimely manner of his departure from Gangwon FC in South Korea. The winger has been scooped up by Brendan Rodgers as the Hoops’ summer recruitment drive continues to roll on, following the captures of Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio, respectively.

Our newest signing has had to be patient and endure some difficult circumstances and conversations with the club heirarchy in his homeland, as he has had to push hard for this transfer to become a reality. The 21-year-old Yang has been one that the Bhoys have been looking at for quite some time and having just won Young Player of the Year, reckons it is the perfect time to move on for him.

The only problem is, it is not so great for Gangwon FC, who linger at the foot of the K-League table. Happy that his time has come to move to Europe with a big club – albeit in a small league – but regretful that it isn’t the best time to leave for his club, the conflicted Yang said: “My club has suffered a lot for them to allow my transfer to happen and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them,” as reported by Daily Record. “I’m excited and happy to confirm the transfer at a difficult time, but I also have a heavy heart.

“The season is not over here and the team is in a difficult situation and I am very sorry that I transferred without being able to take responsibility until the end. I’m really sorry to everyone at the club. I wanted to leave with a victory for the fans and I’m very sorry that I couldn’t. The fans here gave me a lot of support and love. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be this good of a player. If you continue to support me, I will do my best to reciprocate in the future.”

The player’s CEO at Gangwon, Kim Byung-ji, added of the youngster’s impending departure: “The transfer fee is 2.5 million Euros. He first heard about the transfer in May and it has given us a lot of trouble. The reality of the transfer and our position gave us a lot of sleepless nights. But I am glad it has been resolved. I hope that Yang Hyun-jun will have the opportunity to challenge his dreams and grow further. It’s for the betterment of Korean football. I am certain he will become an even more brilliant player.”

Paul Gillespie

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