Celtic’s Klimala bid club farewell as forward seal move to Asia

Patryk Klimala has taken a significant step in his diverse career by signing with K League 1 side FC Seoul. This move marks a new chapter for the 26-year-old former Celtic striker, who has played for numerous clubs across different leagues and continents, seeking to make his mark in Asia.

At FC Seoul, Klimala will join forces with some recognizable talents, including Jesse Lingard, who now captains the team after his time at Nottingham Forest. 

Another key figure is Ki Sung-yueng, a fan favorite with over 200 appearances across two spells at Seoul, and a former Celtic player, adding a sense of familiarity for Klimala.

The striker arrives in South Korea following a successful loan spell at Sydney FC in Australia. There, he regained his scoring touch, netting an impressive 17 goals in 31 matches during the 2024/25 season, playing alongside notable names like former Brazil winger Douglas Costa.

Prior to his time in Australia, Klimala returned to his boyhood club, Śląsk Wrocław, in Poland. However, this homecoming proved challenging, as he struggled to make an impact, spending most of his time with the second team and failing to score or secure a consistent role in the senior squad.

Klimala’s most productive period after leaving Celtic came in Major League Soccer with the New York Red Bulls. During his stint, he scored 14 goals across 61 appearances, showing potential before his move to Sydney FC helped him rediscover his clinical edge in front of goal.

Originally signed by Celtic manager Neil Lennon in January 2020, Klimala faced difficulties adapting to the demands at Parkhead, managing just three goals in 28 appearances across all competitions. He left for New York Red Bulls in 2021, and now, with FC Seoul as his ninth senior club, he aims to find consistency and thrive in the K League.