Potential signing, Kwon Hyeok-kyu, has revealed that he first heard of Celtic’s interest in his services’ through his army sergeant in South Korea. The towering midifelder is on the books at Busan IPark but has been with army team, Gimcheon Sangmu, as he serves his national service.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder is in line for a career-changing move to the Scottish Premiership Champions and eight time Treble-winners, along with his comrade, Yang Hyun-jun from Gangwon FC. Both men have been of interest to the Celtic heirarchy and recruitment team for a while now, and the Hoops even bid for Kwon in the winter transfer window this year, only to be rebuffed.

Kwon has revealed now it was at this time when he first heard of the Bhoys’ rumoured interest and he heard it through his army sergeant of all people! Speaking about the Celtic proposal, he said via Daily Record: “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. Some people think that military service is unnecessary, but I was proud to help my country. I’ve played for the Under 23s and I hope there is an opportunity to win promotion to the senior squad.”

Paul Gillespie

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