Oh Hyeon-gyu was the Celtic striker Ange Postecoglou 'really wanted'

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has insisted new signing Oh Hyeon-gyu was the South Korea striker he really wanted for the Hoops after landing the young international on a five-year deal.

Celtic had been heavily linked with a move for World Cup star Cho Gue-sung who was touted for a move to Parkhead during Qatar 2022.

But the Hoops faced a battle to land him with German side Mainz also in the running and reported suggested the Bundesliga was his preference before it then became apparent he wasn’t going to move from his club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in this window and instead move in the summer, reports The Daily Record.

READ MORE: Roy Keane left Liverpool legend "fuming" after Sir Alex Ferguson phone call

As that signing saga dragged on, compatriot Hyeon-gyu then emerged as an alternative and now Celtic boss Postecoglou has suggested the 21-year-old, who has penned a five-year contract in a deal worth around £2.5 million, was his No. 1 target. And, crucially, that the player himself wants to move to the east end of Glasgow from Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

Postecoglou told Celtic's website: “I have watched Oh for some time and he is the striker I really wanted as I think he will be a great fit in our squad. Really importantly, I know that he had his heart set on joining us too and that his own perseverance has been crucial in making this deal happen, so his determination to join Celtic has been very clear.

“We are delighted to bring Oh to Celtic. He is a young, talented striker with great attributes and someone who is ready to take the next stage in his career – a player who is hungry, eager to develop and to achieve success. We are really pleased to welcome him to the Club and look forward to working with him and settling him into our squad.”

READ NEXT:

• Joe Brolly concerned about 'serious reputational damage to the GAA' as Glen 'extremely disappointed'

• John Kavanagh 'very confident' Conor McGregor will fight in 2023 as he gives key negotiations update

• Manchester United players risk Roy Keane's wrath with post-match antics

• Johnny Sexton has major problem with new rugby rules around dangerous tackle

• Ger Loughnane opens up on his life, cancer scare and Hurling successes as he approaches 70th Birthday

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts