Yang Hyun-jun has put pen to paper on a new Celtic contract, keeping the South Korea winger at Parkhead until 2030 and drawing a firm line under any speculation about his future. "I love this club and my future is here," Yang told Celtic TV, and on the evidence of what he has delivered in Glasgow, the feeling is very much mutual.

From Gangwon to Parkhead Favourite

The 23-year-old arrived from South Korean side Gangwon FC in 2023 and has not looked back. In 111 appearances he has contributed 17 goals, passed the century of Celtic starts and collected a remarkable haul of honours — three Scottish Premiership titles, a League Cup and a Scottish Cup already sit in the cabinet. A sixth piece of silverware could follow this weekend if Celtic see off Dunfermline Athletic in Saturday's Scottish Cup final.

Yang's rise has not been without its wobbles. Manager Martin O'Neill revealed that the winger was on his way to Birmingham City on transfer deadline day before the move fell through — a moment that now looks rather significant for Celtic's fortunes. "I'm absolutely delighted, because on transfer deadline day he was down at Birmingham City, so I'm pleased that didn't go through," O'Neill said.

O'Neill Full of Praise

The Celtic boss was effusive in his assessment of what Yang brings to the side, pointing to the winger's ability to carry the ball under pressure and produce at critical moments. "The reason that he has done well is that he's got big, big goals for us at big moments and he's brave as well," O'Neill said. "He takes the ball under pressure. He's super and he's worked his way back into the South Korean squad."

O'Neill also suggested that something as intangible as confidence has played a role in Yang's development. There was always the raw material — the directness, the close control, the willingness to run at defenders — but the manager feels a settled environment at Celtic has allowed those qualities to flourish.

Eyes on Europe

Yang himself is already thinking beyond domestic success. The eight-times capped international acknowledged a testing campaign but chose to look ahead, flagging European competition as an area where he wants to make a bigger mark. "I also want to show better performances in the European games," he said.

That ambition chimes with Celtic's own aspirations on the continent, and tying down one of their most exciting attacking options on a long-term deal is a strong statement of intent from the club heading into the summer window. The noises out of Parkhead are positive: a champion squad, a settled dressing room, and now a winger who has nailed his colours firmly to the mast.

With the Scottish Cup final on the horizon and European group-stage preparations not far behind, Yang Hyun-jun looks set to be at the centre of everything Celtic do for the foreseeable future.

FAQs

Frequently asked

How long is Yang Hyun-jun's new Celtic contract?
Yang Hyun-jun has signed a new deal that ties him to Celtic until 2030, extending his stay at Parkhead beyond his previous contract.
How many goals has Yang scored for Celtic?
Yang has scored 17 goals in 111 appearances for Celtic since joining from South Korean club Gangwon FC in 2023.
Which club did Yang nearly join before his Celtic career took off?
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill revealed that Yang was close to joining Birmingham City on transfer deadline day, but the move did not go through.