Scottish football giants Celtic are showing strong interest in re-signing Newcastle United midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung.
According to numerous media reports, Celtic coach, Neil Lennon could move to sign the out-of-favour Korean player and offer him an escape route out of St James’ Park.
Ki has fallen out of favour under Magpies manager Steve Bruce this season and has made just three-match appearances in the Premier League this season.
Ki will be a good addition to the Celtic squad, the 30-year-old central midfielder is known for his amazing vision, good technique, accurate long-range passing and shooting, along with his great set-pieces.
He has been a full international for South Korean national team since 2007 and has gained over 100 caps for them. Ki participated in about three World Cups for South Korea as well as the 2011 and 2015 AFC Asian Cups. He has also played at two Olympic football Games with his country, winning the bronze medal in 2012.
On 28 August 2009, Celtic clinched a £2.1 million transfer for Ki, after agreeing with a Ki’s former club FC Seoul. He joined the Parkhead side in the January transfer window of 2010 at the end of the K-League season.
While playing for Celtic during his first spell, he wore the number 18 jersey with “Ki” on the back of his shirt. He played his first match for Celtic in a 1–1 draw against Falkirk at Celtic Park on 16 January 2010 and even won the Man of the Match award from the official Celtic website. His first season in the Scottish club was not all great as he played five matches for Celtic that season, but struggled to make any real impact for the club.
Ki Sung-Yeung scored his first competitive goal for Celtic on 22 August 2010, with a spectacular shot from 25 yards in a 4–0 victory against St Mirren after he came off the bench.
During his three year spell at Celtic, he scored seven goals and played close to 90 matches. He also won the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Cup in 2012 and 2011 respectively.
The midfielder’s contract will expire at the end of the season, and a January deal would benefit the Magpies as they could cash in on him while they still can.
Celtic face St. Mirren tomorrow. Celtic are priced at 2.13to defeat St. Mirren, while St. Mirren are backed at 3.43 to win Celtic.
