SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - OCTOBER 28: Mouzinho de Lima #10 of Timor-Leste competes for the ball against Kwon Hyeokkyu #6 of South Korea during the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifier at Jalan Besar Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - OCTOBER 28: Mouzinho de Lima #10 of Timor-Leste competes for the ball against Kwon Hyeokkyu #6 of South Korea during the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup Qualifier at Jalan Besar Stadium on October 28, 2021 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Celtic midfielder Hyeok-kyu Kwon is exploring options for a summer move, with interest mounting from both Austria Vienna and several clubs in his native South Korea, according to reports in Scotland and Austria.

The 23-year-old South Korean international, who joined Celtic from K League side Busan IPark in 2022, has struggled to establish himself in the first-team picture at Parkhead. Despite high hopes following his arrival, Kwon has found regular minutes hard to come by under successive managers.

Austria Vienna Consider Loan or Permanent Deal

Austrian Bundesliga side Austria Vienna are reportedly leading the race for Kwon’s signature. The club are open to either a loan move or a permanent transfer, viewing the midfielder as a potential key addition to their central unit ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Known for his composure on the ball and physical presence, Kwon would bring both defensive solidity and technical control to Austria Vienna’s midfield—qualities that the club have been actively seeking in recent months.

Kwon Hyeokkyu
Kwon Hyeokkyu

 

Return to Korea Also on the Table

Meanwhile, multiple K League 1 clubs are believed to be monitoring Kwon’s situation closely, with several teams prepared to offer him a return to domestic football where he previously excelled. Given his age and experience in European football, he would be seen as a valuable asset for clubs aiming to strengthen their midfield ahead of the league's second half.

While Celtic are not actively pushing Kwon out the door, the club are understood to be open to facilitating a move if the right offer comes in, particularly if it guarantees consistent game time and furthers the player's development.

A Decisive Summer Ahead

With less than two months remaining in the transfer window, Kwon's future could be one of the more intriguing subplots at Celtic. Though not a regular feature in Brendan Rodgers’ plans, the Korean midfielder still holds value as a technically gifted player with international pedigree.

A move to Austria could serve as a springboard for reigniting his European ambitions, while a return to Korea might offer him the stability and confidence to regain his best form. Either way, Hyeok-kyu Kwon’s next step appears imminent—and could shape the next chapter of a once-promising European journey.

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