Transfer Latest – Hyeokkyu Kwon joins St Mirren on loan

Brendan Rodgers moved one step closer to his overall objective this afternoon with his Lennoxtown squad for the second half of the season reducing by one as summer signing Hyeokkyu Kwon completed a loan move to Scottish Premiership side St Mirren.

The Celtic manager provided Saints Boss Stephen Robinson with detailed information of the Korean midfielder ahead of the deal being finalised. Kwon impressed in Dublin against Premier League side Wolves in the hastily arranged pre-season friendly after Celtic’s match in Korea fell through. That earned him a start against Athletic Club in the James Forrest testimonial but his performance that night was erratic and he’s not been seen since.

The St Mirren manager has been looking for cover for Socceroos star Keanu Baccus, who is currently in Qatar as the Asian Cup gets underway. And the loan signing from Celtic eases his concerns for the resumption of play.

Speaking about the loan signing of Hyeokkyu Kwon, Robinson had this to say: “He’s a player that comes highly recommended. Celtic were very keen for him to come to us which is a compliment to the coaching staff here,” Robinson said, as reported by Daily Record.

29th July 2023 Aviva Stadium, Dublin Pre Season Friendly, Celtic versus Wolverhampton Wanderers – Hyeokkyu Kwon of Celtic FC looking for a way through the defence. Photo ActionPlus Peter Fitzpatrick

“He’s played a lot of games in South Korea and was signed by Celtic for big money. It was an area we needed to strengthen in midfield and with Keanu away at the Asian Cup it was important that we strengthened there.

“We believe that he will come in and add that strength. He breaks up play really well and he can start play really well for us as well. I’ve had some good conversations with Brendan Rodgers about him and we’re delighted to have him in.”

Celtic v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Pre Season Friendly – Aviva Stadium Wolverhampton Wanderers Matheus Cunha and Celtic s Kwon Hyeok-kyu left battle for the ball during the pre-season friendly match at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. Picture date: Saturday July 29, 2023. Photo Brian Lawless

On signing for Celtic in the summer Kwon said: “This is a great move for me, to be joining the Scottish champions, and I am looking forward to working with the manager and the players. I know that Celtic is already very well-known back home, and I am sure the support will continue to increase now there are three South Korean players, and it will be good to play alongside them.”

Hyeokkyu Kwon has joined St Mirren on loan and will return to #CelticFC at the end of the season.

Good luck, Kwon! 🍀 pic.twitter.com/kDiqIJuRqU

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 12, 2024

CONFIRMED: St Mirren have signed Celtic midfielder Hyeokkyu Kwon on loan until the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/88DGAWBM8x

— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) January 12, 2024