We all got that little bit excitable mid-week when Celtic target Cho Gue-sung’s father told the mainstrean media that his son was on the cusp of a move to a team in Europe. Many pondered whether or not his could indeed be the Hoops, as his message that he should pick a team that plays stylish football a particular point of interest.
It is now being reported though, that this transfer could be put on hold for the time being, with the forward’s club in South Korea, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, eager to keep the frontman until the summer. Although it has been revealed by Football Scotland that this could be negotiable if the Bhoys are willing to pay the right price.
Cho himself did contradict his dad after Cho Chae-hwan detailed that his son was finalising a deal with a major European outfit. Speaking on the issue, he said: “I haven’t heard anything about European clubs. However, as a player, I naturally have a dream to go out on the world stage and face world-class players.Entering the European stage has been a dream since I was young. I want to go to any place where I can improve my skills and grow.”
It could just be the club posturing with Celtic over the price-tag and hoping to get more leverage out of them. Perhaps Cho Gue-sung is being coy on the links too and has been instructed to do so by the club and his agents. Then again, it could be that Ange Postecoglou and Michael Nicholson haven’t bid yet for the 24-year-old World Cup star.
Maybe with Peter Lawwell back on the scene at Celtic – as if he ever went away – Michael Nicholson might despatch his over to South Korea to chip away at the asking price! That’s an attempt at humour incidentally although the odd Celtic blogger might think that’s a wonderful idea!
It’s all conjecture at this minute, but it’s certainly intriguing apart from that joke about Pistol Pete getting involved. That’s just scary…
Paul Gillespie
