Celtic have completed the transfer of Korea Republic midfielder Ki Sung-yong. The FC Seoul star has officially signed with the Scottish giants but will not join the team until next year.

The 20-year is highly rated and has already represented the Korean national team more than dozen times but Celtic boss Tony Mowbray believes he needs more development before becoming a member of his first team.

"I don't see him making a big impact on the team right now. If he does come, then I'd suggest it's something for the future," said Mowbray just before the deal was done.

"He's a young player with potential. Every player we sign is a big signing, but this kid has potential."

Seoul were worried that may lose one of their key players but the agreement made between the clubs has been a positive according to general manager Han Woong-soo.

"In the beginning there was talk of a transfer in August, but it was pushed to January because of our team's circumstances," he said.

Ki was delighted to be able to achieve his dream of applying Europe, saying: "I am so happy to achieve my dream of playing in Europe.

"I want to go to Europe after Seoul gets a good result in the Asian Champions League.

"I thought about it a lot over the last few days, it is a good opportunity. I am happy to think that I am progressing in the right direction.

"At the moment, I am still an FC Seoul player and it is important that I do all I can to help us achieve our target of the K-League and Asian Champions League. I want to go to a good league but Celtic is an historic club and this is the right road for me to go to a big league. I had offers from other clubs but I think this is the best for me."