Cho Gue sung to Celtic transfer latest as Ferencvaros look to derail Giorgos Giakoumakis succession plan
The South Korea international has impressed at the World Cup after netting twice in the group stage so far.
Celtic have been joined by Ferencvaros in the chase for South Korea World Cup star Cho Gue-sung. The Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors striker is attracting interest from across Europe with Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou amongst the interested parties.
Cho has rocketed into the spotlight in Qatar with two goals against Ghana and is set to feature in Friday’s final group clash against Portugal. The 24-year-old’s exploits have put him in line for a January move to this continent.
South Korea FA vice-president Lee Young-pyo revealed this week that he had been contacted by a sporting director from a “very good club” in Europe about Cho. Young-pyo hinted that it was a colleague from his playing days at Borussia Dortmund in 2008/09. That has instantly put his former side’s name firmly in the frame with his team-mate of the time Sebastian Kehl now holding the sporting director position at the Bundesliga giants.
However, current Ferencvaros sporting director Tamas Hajnal was also a member of the Dortmund squad during Young-pyo’s one-year spell at the Westfalenstadion. And sources in Hungary have stated Hajnal and his club have contacted Cho’s representatives about the hitman’s future plans.
Cho can enhance his reputation again and add to his six international goals in 18 appearances when his team face Cristiano Ronaldo and his countrymen at the Education City Stadium. The striker has courted fame since Monday's two-goal salvo against the Africans, but said: “I don’t really want to be famous. I’m only human and don’t feel anything special.”
Cho retains hope of qualification in Qatar before his club career enters a new phase as he added: “It’s not over yet. We still have hope, we still have one more game. We’ll prepare for that.”
Celtic boss Postecoglou was already in the market for a new striker. With doubts over the long-term future of Giorgos Giakoumakis the chase may have intensified with a host of names in the frame.
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