Honesty can sometimes be a double-edged sword; fans want it but hate when they get it.
Kwon Hyok-kyu, Celtic’s imminent signing, has recently discovered this, stirring up a social media storm with his candid admission: “I will become the best player in Celtic and go to higher places such as the German Bundesliga or the English Premier League.” [Via Record Sport from a South Korean publication].
The 22-year-old Korean midfielder’s statement, while bold, is a breath of fresh air in an industry often shrouded in PR-speak.
It’s a declaration of ambition, a testament to his drive to succeed. Yet, some Celtic fans have bristled at the notion of their club being used as a stepping stone. But is this really a cause for concern?
The reality is, if Celtic is to continue its success, it needs to embrace its role as a launchpad for talent. Much like Ajax and Benfica in recent years, Celtic has the potential to provide a platform for players to shine before they move on to bigger leagues. This isn’t a slight against the club; it’s a testament to its ability to nurture and develop talent while attracting some great prospects.
Consider the case of Ange Postecoglou. The former Celtic manager, who once quipped ‘you’ll be surprised how long I’m here for’, left the club for Spurs after a successful tenure that saw him win five trophies and complete a treble in his second and final year. His departure, while disappointing for fans, underscores the reality of football: success breeds opportunity, both for players and managers.
Kwon’s statement is not just honest; it’s ambitious. To aim to be the best player at Celtic, especially when he’ll likely share a position with Callum McGregor, the undroppable captain and arguably the best player in Scotland, is a bold goal.
It’s this kind of ambition that drives players to excel, and if Kwon is to earn a move to a top league, he’ll need to play exceptionally well at Celtic. That’s a win for the club.
So, to the Celtic fans who are wary of their club being viewed as a stepping stone, consider this: it’s a sign of the club’s success. It’s a testament to Celtic’s ability to attract and develop talent. And ultimately, it’s a win-win situation. The better the players perform, the higher their value, and the more successful the club becomes.
In the grand scheme of things, Kwon’s honesty should be applauded, not scorned. It’s a reflection of the new reality of football, where clubs like Celtic can thrive by acting as stepping stones for ambitious players. So let’s welcome Kwon Hyok-kyu and look forward to seeing him strive to become the best. After all, his success will be Celtic’s success.
