Celtic have paid a fee of €2.5m [£2.15m] for Yang Hyun-jun, Gangwon FC club chief Kim Byung-ji has confirmed today.
The South Korean side surprised everyone with their own announcement that Yang will be heading to the Bhoys this summer, with no Celtic comment yet made on the situation.
Now, more details about the transfer have emerged, with Kim speaking after Gangwon’s 1-1 draw at home to FC Seoul earlier today.
He said [Daily Record]: “The transfer fee is 2.5 million Euros. He first heard about the transfer in May and it has given us a lot of trouble. The reality of the transfer and our position gave us a lot of sleepless nights. But I am glad it has been resolved.
“I hope that Yang Hyun-jun will have the opportunity to challenge his dreams and grow further. It’s for the betterment of Korean football. I am certain he will become an even more brilliant player.”
Meanwhile, the player himself has addressed home supporters, apologising for the fact that he is leaving mid-season but sharing his excitement about the road ahead.
Yang said [Daily Record]: “My club has suffered a lot for them to allow my transfer to happen and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them. I’m excited and happy to confirm the transfer at a difficult time, but I also have a heavy heart.
“The season is not over here and the team is in a difficult situation and I am very sorry that I transferred without being able to take responsibility until the end. I’m really sorry to everyone at the club. I wanted to leave with a victory for the fans and I’m very sorry that I couldn’t. The fans here gave me a lot of support and love. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be this good of a player. If you continue to support me, I will do my best to reciprocate in the future.”
It’s unclear when Celtic will announce the deal, although that can’t be too far away now. The media team have been busy covering the pre-season training camp in Portugal this weekend, with the squad then heading to Japan over the next couple of days.
It’s expected Yang will now meet up with his new teammates in Asia, before returning to Scotland with them later this month.
In other news, Brendan Rodgers reacts as Oh and co fire ‘intense’ Celtic to pre-season win.
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