Yang Hyun-jun heads to Scotland to join Celtic

Gangwon FC's Yang Hyun-jun, left, dribbles during a K League game against Suwon FC at Suwon Sports Complex in Suwon, Gyeonggi on June 25. [YONHAP]

Midfielder Yang Hyun-jun jetted off to Britain on Wednesday ahead of an expected move to Celtic.

K League team Gangwon FC decided to release the 21-year-old on Saturday, after Yang continued to demand the club permit a move to Celtic.

The Scottish club will announce the official signing of Yang once he completes his medical examination in Britain.

“It still doesn’t feel real that I will get to experience what I have dreamt of since childhood,” Yang said at Incheon International Airport in Incheon on Wednesday. “It will feel real once I complete my medical examination and exercise there.”

Yang has dreamt of playing in Europe since seeing Korean football legend Park Ji-sung, who played for Manchester United from 2005 through 2012, during which he won the Premier League and Champions League.

Once Yang joins Celtic, he will join with countryman Oh Hyeon-gyu, who transferred to the Scottish side in January this year.

“Oh and I have always kept in touch often, and I kept in touch with him after my transfer rumors began,” Yang said. “He told me that he will look after me.”

Despite Yang’s excitement about playing in Europe, he is wary of the fact that European football is nothing like what he has experienced so far in his career.

“The Scottish league is very tough and Oh advised me to be careful of injury,” Yang said. “But he told me not to be intimidated. I think I have to go there with a strong mindset.”

Yang isn't the only Korean player expected to sign with Celtic. Busan IPark's Kwon Hyeok-kyu is also expected to join the Scottish club.

IPark manager Park Jin-sub confirmed earlier this week that Kwon will leave the team, although Celtic are yet to announce the transfer.

Celtic are currently on a preseason tour of Japan and will likely announce the signings of the two Korean players after the tour ends.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]