Norwich City ‘express their interest’ in signing Celtic winger Yang

‘UPDATE: Norwich City have expressed their interest in Celtic winger Hyunjun Yang. It’s understood the South Korea international has signalled his intention to explore a move, amid interest in England & Europe. Celtic yet to decided on whether to let the 23yo go’

It’s understood that the Yang has ‘signalled his intention’ to at least hold discussions with Norwich. Celtic, as things stand, have yet to decide on whether to sanction a move — and it’s not hard to see why this is no straightforward decision.

For much of his time in Glasgow, Yang has flattered to deceive. Signed with plenty of promise, he often showed the footwork and industry, particularly in his off the ball work, without quite adding the final product.

However, in the second half of last season, there were clear signs of development. His decision-making improved, he began to contribute more effectively in the final third, and on occasion, chipped in with goals and assists. Not consistently, no — but just enough to suggest something may be starting to click.

Yet, despite this progress, Yang will know that in a fully fit Celtic squad, he’s currently behind in the pecking order, a likely squad rotation option at best. That, for a 23-year-old South Korean international on the rise, is not a long-term proposition he’s likely to settle for.

But in the here and now we do have an issue with this potential deal – can Celtic afford to let him go?

If Rodgers’ recent comments are anything to go by, the answer is no. The manager has been clear – Celtic are short on both quality and depth in the wide attacking positions. With Luis Palma out the picture, James Forrest in the twilight of his career, and Nicolas Kuhn making his ‘easy’ decision to head to Como, letting Yang go without a superior replacement already in the building would be risky, at this stage at least.

There’s also the niggling thought that Yang’s improvement last season might not have been a flash in the pan. Maybe the penny has finally dropped. Perhaps with a bit of patience, Celtic could be about to reap the rewards of their development work. After all,  Rodgers has a track record of polishing rough diamonds, and Yang might just be one of them.

Of course, money talks, and Celtic have never been shy when it comes to turning a tidy profit on talent. If Norwich City are serious, then the club must drive a hard bargain — because if we’re being honest, Celtic were taken to the cleaners by Norwich with that £9.5 million fee for Adam Idah last summer. If Yang goes, recouping a chunk of that figure wouldn’t go amiss.

Ultimately, this is a difficult call for Rodgers. Yang is improving, offers pace and directness, alongside his out of possession work, and there’s a sense that he may be on the verge of a real breakthrough.

But if his heart is already set on leaving, Celtic must consider selling, but only if the recruitment team has someone better already lined up.

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