"Despite the lackluster performance, confidence in potential still sparks popularity."
Molineux News, which covers Wolverhampton news, reported on the 27th (Korean time), "Wolverhampton is expected to be very busy this summer. Fans have been warned to prepare for the farewell of renowned player Hwang Hee-chan, valued at £14 million (about 26.5 billion won)."
Wolverhampton is getting closer to staying in the Premier League (PL) under manager Vitor Pereira. They are still in 17th place in the league, not in a comfortable position, but are 9 points ahead of 18th place Ipswich Town. The choice to sack manager Gary O’Neill and appoint Pereira as the firefighter seems, for now, to be the right decision.
However, a major overhaul during the summer seems unavoidable. Molineux News noted, "Pereira seems likely to keep Wolves in the PL. It has been a very tough season, but it seems Pereira’s appointment is bearing fruit. We hope club officials can fully focus on the summer transfer market. There is a high possibility that some big stars will be leaving."
Hwang Hee-chan is one of them. The media reported, "Nelson Semedo is highly likely to leave the team due to expiring contracts. Matheus Cunha is also expected to leave due to a buyout clause. Another player is Hwang Hee-chan," noting, "Hwang Hee-chan could part ways with Wolves this summer."
Hwang Hee-chan was active as the ace of Wolverhampton until last season. He recorded 12 goals and 3 assists in 29 PL matches during the 2023-2024 season, forming a front three with Matheus Cunha and Pedro Neto. Hwang Hee-chan, the top scorer of the team and achieving a personal career high, signed a 4-year contract extension with Wolverhampton during the season.
There were also calls from France. Roberto De Zerbi, the coach of Marseille, has singled him out and even sent an official offer. At the time, Hwang Hee-chan also requested a transfer. However, Wolverhampton chose to keep Hwang Hee-chan by exclaiming 'NFS (Not for sale).'
But this season has turned out to be the opposite. Hwang Hee-chan fell into severe slump due to continuous injuries and changes in roles from the beginning, falling behind in competition. He only scored his first goal in December of last year. Although Hwang Hee-chan seemed to be reviving with consecutive goals against Manchester United and Tottenham, he was again relegated to a substitute role.
In the 2024-2025 season, Hwang Hee-chan's record stands at 22 matches, 2 goals, and 1 assist. He is only playing 38.5 minutes per match. In the PL, he started only 5 matches and came on as a substitute 13 times. It seems that Wolverhampton fans have already turned their backs on Hwang Hee-chan. Since last autumn, there has been a growing call for his quick sale.
Molineux News also reported, "Hwang Hee-chan has not had the season he hoped for. He performed exceptionally well at Wolverhampton last season, but this time he has only scored two goals. He has faced many difficulties due to injuries," and added, "According to Liam Keen, this season could be Hwang Hee-chan's last season at Molineux Stadium."
Keen, a reporter active at the UK 'Express and Star', bolstered the claims regarding Hwang Hee-chan's summer transfer. He is well-versed in Wolverhampton news, stating, "Hwang Hee-chan still possesses the skill and scoring ability. However, he has faced real difficulties this season. He has again suffered unusual injuries, which unfortunately have become a pattern for him."
Keen also pointed out, "Hwang Hee-chan appears to be a player whose confidence is at its core. He tends to lower his head very quickly when he faces challenges or receives criticism from fans - sometimes unfairly. If he continues that way, he needs to learn how to cope with difficult situations."
In conclusion, he remarked, "I have the feeling a natural separation from Hwang Hee-chan could come relatively soon. He would want to be happy. Hwang Hee-chan is not a player who causes problems. But he does not seem very happy and is unable to play consistently. Even when he gets to play, he struggles with consistent performance," predicting the possibility of Hwang Hee-chan's transfer.
Hwang Hee-chan is reportedly attracting attention from various teams. During the season, transfer rumors to West Ham arose, but as his former coach Julen Lopetegui was sacked, the rumors faded. There is also a strong possibility that Marseille will push for Hwang Hee-chan’s acquisition again.
This is timely as Mason Greenwood has fallen out of favor with coach De Zerbi. Greenwood has excelled since joining Marseille last summer but has been in conflict due to his lackadaisical attitude. If De Zerbi were to dismiss Greenwood, he could substitute in Hwang Hee-chan.
Coach De Zerbi strongly wanted Hwang Hee-chan last summer and is known to have a good grasp of Hwang Hee-chan's strengths. Like Greenwood, Hwang Hee-chan can serve as a winger as well as a striker.
It is also noteworthy that Hwang Hee-chan, having recovered from injury, showed good form in two A-match games in March. He scored the opening goal in the match against Oman, which was effectively his return match, and showed good form against Jordan, proving he has escaped the frustrating slump.
If Hwang Hee-chan regains his form, he could be a starter at any team. Rather, if he is in a slump, it could be a low-point buy. It is because of such potential that, despite this season's slump, many prestigious clubs, including Marseille, are calling for him.
Molineux News reported, "Several clubs like Hwang Hee-chan. He is undoubtedly at the level of the PL. But both the club and the player can feel that it is time to move on. Hwang Hee-chan has been welcomed by various clubs for some time. He certainly possesses characteristics that coaches appreciate. There will likely be some bids this summer."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Foot Mercato, Wolverhampton social media.
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