Hwang Hee-chan (29) may end his four-year stint with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Speculation is growing that he could leave the team.
The publication Molineux News, which covers Wolverhampton news, reported on the 27th (Korean time) that "Wolverhampton is set to be very busy this summer. Fans have been warned to prepare for a farewell to the star player Hwang Hee-chan, valued at £14 million (about 26.5 billion won)."
Wolverhampton is getting closer to remaining in the Premier League (PL) under manager Vitor Pereira. While still ranked 17th in the league, they are 9 points ahead of 18th place Ipswich Town. The decision to dismiss manager Gary O'Neil and bring in Pereira as a firefighter seems to be the right choice so far.
However, a significant shakeup is expected this summer. Molineux News noted that "Pereira seems likely to keep Wolves in the PL. It has been a very tough season, but Pereira's appointment appears to be bearing fruit. I hope the club officials can fully focus on the summer transfer market, as there is a strong chance that several big stars will be leaving."
Hwang Hee-chan is one of them. The media reported that "Nelson Semedo is likely to leave the team due to contract expiration. And Matheus Cunha is also expected to depart due to a buyout clause. Another player is Hwang Hee-chan," adding that "Hwang Hee-chan could part ways with Wolves this summer."
Hwang Hee-chan was active as Wolverhampton's ace until last season. He formed a three-top with Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto for the 2023-2024 season, scoring 12 goals and providing 3 assists in 29 PL matches. Having achieved the most goals in the team and a personal career high, Hwang Hee-chan even re-signed with Wolverhampton for another four years mid-season.
Interest has also emerged from France. Roberto De Zerbi, manager of Marseille, has targeted him and even sent an official offer. At that time, Hwang Hee-chan also requested a transfer to the club. However, Wolverhampton chose to keep Hwang Hee-chan, declaring he was "not for sale."
But this season has taken a different turn. Hwang Hee-chan has struggled with injuries and changes in roles from the start, leading to a severe slump. His first goal of the season came only in December. Hwang Hee-chan appeared to be reviving with consecutive goals against Manchester United and Tottenham, but he returned to being a substitute.
For the 2024-2025 season, Hwang Hee-chan's record stands at 22 competitive matches with 2 goals and 1 assist. He has only managed to play 38.5 minutes per game. In the PL, he has started in just 5 matches and has come on as a substitute 13 times. It seems that the Wolverhampton fans have also turned their backs on Hwang Hee-chan, with voices calling for his quick sale growing louder since last fall.
Molineux News also commented that "Hwang Hee-chan has not had the anticipated season. He delivered his best performance at Wolverhampton last season, but this time he has only scored two goals. He has faced many difficulties due to injuries," adding that "according to Liam Keen, this season could be Hwang Hee-chan's last season at Molineux Stadium."
Liam Keen, a reporter with the UK’s Express and Star, has lent support to Hwang Hee-chan's summer transfer. Being well-versed in Wolverhampton news, he said, "Hwang Hee-chan still has the talent, and he still possesses scoring ability. However, he has really struggled this season. He has repeatedly suffered strange injuries, which unfortunately have become a constant for him."
Keen also pointed out that "Hwang Hee-chan seems like a player whose confidence is foundational. He seems to lower his head very quickly when he struggles or faces criticism from fans, which is sometimes unfair. If he continues like this, he will have to learn how to deal with difficult situations."
In conclusion, he noted that "I have a feeling that a natural separation between Hwang Hee-chan and the club may approach relatively soon. He will want to be happy. Hwang Hee-chan is not a troublemaker, but he does not appear very happy and cannot consistently perform. Even when he is on the field, he is not performing consistently," assessing Hwang Hee-chan's transfer possibilities.
Hwang Hee-chan is known to be attracting interest from several teams. Rumors of a transfer to West Ham also emerged mid-season, but speculation subsided when Hwang Hee-chan's former coach Julen Lopetegui was dismissed.
There is also sufficient likelihood that Marseille will push for Hwang Hee-chan again. This is timely as Mason Greenwood has fallen out of favor with manager De Zerbi. Greenwood has performed exceptionally since joining Marseille last summer, but conflicts have arisen due to his lack of professionalism.
If manager De Zerbi dismisses Greenwood, Hwang Hee-chan could be a replacement. He was strongly wanted last summer, and it is known that he has a good understanding of Hwang Hee-chan's strengths. Hwang Hee-chan can play as both a winger and a striker, much like Greenwood.
Molineux News reported that "Several clubs like Hwang Hee-chan. He is definitely at the PL level. But both the club and player can feel that it is time for him to move on. Hwang Hee-chan has been welcomed by various clubs for a while. He clearly possesses characteristics that coaches appreciate. There will likely be several bids this summer."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Foot Mercato, Wolverhampton social media.
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