Martin O’Neill is expected to stop a Celtic player from leaving the club, even though the transfer was very close to happening.
Another day has passed in the January transfer window and Celtic still have not signed any new players. Many fans are unhappy and feel the club is moving too slowly. They want to see more effort and ambition from the board.
So far, the best decision this month has been bringing Martin O’Neill back to the club. After poor results under Wilfried Nancy, the Celtic board admitted they made a mistake and decided to change direction.
O’Neill has said many times that Celtic need new players this winter. Even though the team has been winning matches recently, the squad is still not strong enough. With Rangers showing big ambition under new owners, Celtic need to improve if they want to win trophies.
But signing players is not the only issue. Keeping important players is also very important. One Celtic player who almost left the club before is now likely to stay.
That player is Yang Hyun-jun. The South Korean winger nearly left Celtic in the summer. The deal was stopped at the last moment because Celtic could not sign a replacement. He was also linked with a move away this month, but that now looks unlikely.
O’Neill Wants Yang to Stay at Celtic
According to Football Insider, Martin O’Neill does not want Yang to leave during this transfer window.
Yang has been playing better since O’Neill returned. He scored in Celtic’s recent win against Dundee United. He is now playing in his best position on the right wing, instead of right wing-back, which he played under the previous manager.
Right now, Celtic do not have many strong options in the squad. Because of that, the club feels it would be a mistake to let Yang leave. He has become an important player in the team.
Keeping Yang at Celtic makes sense. He is improving, gaining confidence, and starting to settle at the club. Letting him go now could hurt the team.
Celtic are still looking to improve their wing options. Summer signings Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti have not performed as hoped. Balikwisha has struggled, while Tounekti started well but later lost form.
Celtic have been linked with other wingers, but their main focus is signing a striker. Until they bring in a new forward, do not expect big moves for wide players.