Oh Hyeon-gyu Returns to Celtic for Europa League Clash with Beşiktaş

South Korean forward Oh Hyeon-gyu is set to make a high-profile return to Celtic Park this Thursday as his current club, Beşiktaş, faces the Scottish champions in a pivotal Europa League encounter. The match marks a significant homecoming for the 23-year-old striker, who departed the Glasgow club in 2024 following an eighteen-month tenure in Scotland.

During his time at Celtic, Oh faced significant challenges in securing consistent playing time, often competing for minutes against established star Kyogo Furuhashi and later Adam Idah, who joined the club on a permanent transfer. Reflecting on his tenure, the forward described the experience as a period of mixed emotions, noting that while he struggled to find his rhythm on the pitch, he gained valuable professional experience.

“I came here as a young boy with a dream,” Oh stated during a pre-match press conference. “It was sometimes hard for me, sometimes good for me. I have got good memories here. I will always be grateful for everything and the fans. I learned a lot about my position from Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah.”

Since leaving Scotland, Oh has successfully revitalized his career, becoming a key figure for Beşiktaş and establishing himself as a regular contributor for the South Korean national team. His performance in the Europa League this season has been particularly notable, with the forward already recording a brace. He enters the upcoming match looking to help his Turkish side secure points against a Celtic team currently struggling to find form in European competition.

Despite the competitive nature of the upcoming fixture, Oh expressed deep affection for his former club, acknowledging the emotional weight of playing against the team he once represented. “If I score, maybe I will cry,” he admitted. “It has a special place in my heart.”

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is expected to focus on tactical improvements as his squad aims to climb the Europa League table. The return of a former player like Oh adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match, as both sides look to capitalize on their respective strengths in what promises to be a closely contested European night.