Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has provided his verdict on reported Celtic target Cho Gue-sung following speculation linking the South Korea international with a move to Parkhead.
What’s the word?
The Scottish Sun revealed at the end of last month that the Old Firm outfit had joined the race for the 24-year-old, with the Premiership champions said to be one of ‘several’ European clubs who are interested in the Jeonbuk centre-forward.
The player himself has raised hopes regarding a move to Glasgow after outlining his desire to go to Europe in the near future, with the Hoops said to be plotting to secure a new attacking addition in January.
According to O’Rourke – in an interview with Football FanCast – the 20-cap marksman seemingly has what it takes to be a “success” for Celtic, with such an acquisition likely to help strengthen Ange Postecoglou’s firepower.
The respected journalist stated of Cho: “He’s a player who looks like he’s got all the attributes to be a success in Europe. He’s a big strong forward as well.
“Obviously Celtic have had their problems with [Giorgos] Giakoumakis being injured on numerous occasions, while [Kyogo] Furuhashi has also had his injury problems as well. So it’s an area of the team that it looks like Ange Postecoglou would like to strengthen in”.
Big coup
Bringing Cho into the fold at Paradise could well be a notable coup for the Premiership champions, with the 6 foot 2 ace having been in prolific form of late at club level, having scored 21 goals and laid on five assists in 35 games in all competitions in the 2021/22 campaign.
That stunning season has ensured that his overall club career record now stands at 51 goals and 16 assists in 133 games at senior level, with the eye-catching talent having been lauded by journalist Jason Lee for his “incredible” form.
That hot streak was also replicated for his country in recent weeks, with the former FC Anyang man having starred at the World Cup in Qatar, notably scoring twice in an eventual 3-2 defeat to Ghana in South Korea’s second group game.
That clinical double saw the highly-coveted ace showcase his ruthlessness in front of goal, having twice powered home with two bullet headers, with such an impact unsurprisingly having caught the attention of Postecoglou and co.
As O’Rourke referenced, there is seemingly a need for further competition in the centre-forward ranks at Celtic due to the injury woes of Kyogo Furuhashi, with the Japan international having been absent for much of the second half of last season with a hamstring issue.
The same is also true of Giorgos Giakoumakis, who has endured his own injury woes over the last 18 months, with the Greek marksman currently facing an uncertain future in Scotland after contract talks hit an impasse.
As such, a new striker has become something of a priority for Celtic heading into the New Year, with Cho’s prospective arrival likely to be a big coup as the Hoops look to maintain their rampant autumn form.