South Korea U23 boss on why Hyunjun Yang remained at Celtic despite Asian Cup chance

Celtic have endured a mixed hit rate regarding Brendan Rodgers’ signings since the Irishman returned to the club last summer.

On one hand, the likes of Adam Idah, Luis Palma and Paulo Bernardo have gone to be important contributors at Parkhead, enjoying varying degrees of success.

Contrariwise, names such as Nat Phillips, Marco Tilio and Hyeokkyu Kwon have been less successful additions, with the latter two now out on loan, looking to prove their worth elsewhere.

Somewhere in the middle, you have Hyunjun Yang, who has shown glimpses of brilliance at Celtic as he continues to develop under Rodgers’ tutelage.

Since joining from Gangwon FC last summer, the South Korean international has gained plenty of first-team experience this term, registering one goal and three assists in 30 appearances across all comPetitions [Transfermarkt].

Per Fotmob, the 21-year-old ranks second for Celtic in successful dribbles completed per 90 minutes in the Scottish Premiership behind Luis Palma, illustrating his capacity to beat the opposition full-back frequently.

Clearly, there is more to come from the Busan-born man, and he fits the recruitment profile Celtic have leaned towards in recent years: targeting and moulding young players before eventually selling them on for sizeable profit.

South Korea U23 boss on Celtic refusal involving Hyunjun Yang

Yang has also enjoyed prestigious international involvement this campaign, taking part in South Korea’s run to the AFC Asian Cup semi-final earlier this year.

Now, Taeguek Warriors caretaker boss Hwang Seon-hong has revealed he tried hard to get the winger on board for the Under-23 version of the tournament that started in Qatar yesterday.

Citing other players he couldn’t call up due to the comPetition falling outside of an official FIFA international window, Hwang revealed he even Travelled to Glasgow to try and convince Yang to participate.

However, Celtic rebuffed the approach amid the potential for the 21-year-old to miss a whole host of matches in the season run-in.

Hwang explained [Cited via The Daily Record]: “I went to Europe myself ahead of the tournament and negotiated with of all the clubs where we had players to ask them for help and allow us to select their player. Unfortunately, as you can see, I was not successful.

“It is disappointing and an unfortunate situation. It is now difficult because the replacement players are joining up in Qatar a little late, but this is also a task that must be overcome. It’s an opportunity for the K-League players who have replaced the European-based ones to show what they can do.”

South Korea could book themselves representation at the Paris 2024 Olympics by claiming a top-three finish at the tournament, which could potentially offer Yang further visibility at international level later in the year.

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