Malky MacKay shares what Brendan Rodgers did to help Hibs sign Hyeokkyu Kwon from Celtic

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Brendan Rodgers continues his Celtic clear-out after allowing South Korean midfielder, Hyeokkyu Kwon to join Hibs on loan this summer.

The Celtic boss has already overseen the permanent departures of Sead Haksabanovic, Hyeongyo Oh, Bosun Lawal, Rocco Vata and Daniel Kelly so far this summer.

Rodgers has also allowed Marco Tilio and Dane Murray to go in search of first-team football and now Kwon is the latest Celtic player that has been allowed a temporary move.

MacKay over the moon with Celtic boss

On loan until the end of the season, Hibs sporting director Malky MacKay was delighted to add Kwon to his ranks and personally thanked Brendan Rodgers for his role in getting the deal to land the Celtic midfielder over the line.

MacKay said [Hibs FC], “We’re really pleased to make Hyeokkyu our ninth signing of the summer transfer window.

“He is another top professional to add to the First Team group, comes with a good pedigree, and adds a real presence on the pitch.

“We’d like to thank Brendan Rodgers and Celtic for the smooth handling of the move, and how quickly and efficiently we were able to get this deal done.”

David Gray ‘delighted’ with Celtic capture

Hibs manager, David Gray was also delighted to get his man and has outlined the role he sees Kwon playing in his team this season.

Gray added, “Hyeokkyu provides us with another option in midfield being able to play as both a deeper 6 and as an 8.

“As a player, he’s a great athlete, he’s very competitive and comfortable on the ball. He showed these capabilities during an impressive loan spell last season.

“We’re delighted to bring him to the Club and look forward to working with him.”

Kwon has yet to make a single competitive appearance for Celtic under Rodgers but did enjoy a short, but successful, loan spell at St Mirren last season.

The South Korean did make an appearance in the green and white Hoops on the US Tour in the 4-3 win over Man City where he created an assist in his 25-minute cameo against the cash-rich EPL club.

But with Celtic’s competition in Kwon’s area of the pitch, it was always going to be difficult for the 23-year-old to get in ahead of the likes of Callum McGregor, Tomoki Iwata and even Odin Thiago Holm.

We wish Kwon all the best for Hibs and, hopefully, he will get the game time to help him return to Paradise next summer as an improved player.