Celtic have confirmed that Yang Hyun-jun has signed a new contract which will see him remain at Celtic Park until 2030, cementing the South Korean winger’s place in Brendan Rodgers’ long-term plans.
The 23-year-old put pen to paper on the extended deal this week, tying him to the Hoops for another four years beyond his previous arrangement. Yang joined from Gangwon FC in the summer of 2023 and has become a genuine squad staple, racking up 111 appearances and chipping in with 17 goals along the way. He’s already won three Scottish Premiership titles, a League Cup and a Scottish Cup since arriving in Glasgow – not a bad return for a player still very much in the early chapters of his career.
What makes this deal feel right is the trajectory. Yang arrived relatively unknown, and there was a moment – on transfer deadline day, no less – when he was down at Birmingham City with a move seemingly on the cards before it fell through. Thank the Celtic gods for that one. He crossed the 100-appearance milestone for Celtic this season, a landmark that tells you everything about how embedded he’s become in the setup, and the timing of this announcement – just days before Saturday’s Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic – feels like a statement of intent from both club and player.
“My Future Is Here”
Speaking to Celtic TV after putting pen to paper, Yang was refreshingly straightforward about where he sees his future. He said:
“I love this club and my future is here. I’m happy, and though the season was a little bit hard, we are champions and hopefully next season it will be easier.”
“I also want to show better performances in the European games.”
That last line is the one to hold onto. Yang has been a threat domestically but the European stage is where he clearly wants to make his mark, and with Celtic heading back into Champions League qualification, he’ll get his chance. Eight senior caps for South Korea and a hunger to add to them – this is a player with plenty still to prove and a very good place to prove it from.
O’Neill’s Relief – And Praise
Manager Martin O’Neill was candid in his delight, admitting the near-miss with Birmingham City still lingers. He told the official Celtic FC website: “I’m absolutely delighted, because on transfer deadline day he was down at Birmingham City, so I’m pleased that didn’t go through.”
“The reason that he has done well is that he’s got big, big goals for us at big moments and he’s brave as well. He takes the ball under pressure. He’s super and he’s worked his way back into the South Korean squad.”
High praise, and well deserved. Big goals at big moments – that’s the currency that matters at Paradise.
This deal sits neatly alongside a broader wave of squad commitment from the Hoops this season. Liam Scales signed his own deal through to 2030, and Luke McCowan has also committed his future to the club – the shape of Rodgers’ squad for the years ahead is starting to look very settled indeed. Locking down a 23-year-old winger with pace, a big-game mentality and room to grow is smart business any way you cut it. Here’s hoping he’s tearing defences apart in the Champions League before long.
Mon The Hoops.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy