Wolves signing this South Korean attacker would be an excellent summer move

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Wolves must plot a summer swoop for Hwang Hee-Chan

Back in December 2019, the Telegraph had claimed that Wolves were interested in signing Red Bull Salzburg forward Hwang Hee-Chan. However, a move didn’t materialise in the January transfer window.

Hwang Hee-Chan, 24, has enjoyed an excellent campaign with Red Bull Salzburg, scoring eight goals and registering as many assists in 17 league games. He has also netted four goals in seven European games, making himself known to English audiences with his eye-catching displays against Liverpool in the Champions League group stages.

Hwang Hee-chan of Red Bull Salzburg celebrates after he scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and RB Salzburg at Anfield. (Getty Images)
Hwang Hee-chan of Red Bull Salzburg celebrates after he scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Liverpool FC and RB Salzburg at Anfield. (Getty Images)

The South Korean was part of an exciting Salzburg attack, before Takumi Minamino and Erling Braut Haland joined Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund respectively in January. Having missed out on a January deal, Wolves must rekindle their interest in Hwang during the summer transfer window.

The Wanderers signed Daniel Podence, Luke Matheson, Leonardo Campana and Enzo Loiodice to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window. The January additions have given Wolves boost in their quest for achieving a Champions League spot. As far as the Europa League is concerned, they have qualified to the round of 16 by beating Espanyol.

Raul Jimenez has been Wolves’ primary source of goals this season, bagging 22 goals across all competitions. The Mexican has been ably helped by Adama Traore, who has six goals and seven assists till date.

Diogo Jota has sprung to life of late, scoring goals left, right and centre. Despite Jimenez, Jota and Traore combining extremely well in the attack, Nuno must add depth to his forward options ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

Salzburg's South Korean forward Hee-Chan Hwang runs with the ball after scoring the 4-1 from the penalty spot during the Europa League last 32 first leg football match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Salzburg. (Getty Images)
Salzburg’s South Korean forward Hee-Chan Hwang runs with the ball after scoring the 4-1 from the penalty spot during the Europa League last 32 first leg football match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Salzburg. (Getty Images)

After bringing in talented attackers like Podence and Campana in January, the West Midlands outfit must target Hwang, who has been a key player for Salzburg during their brilliant season so far.

Hwang, who has been RB Salzburg since 2015, has scored 41 goals in 113 appearances for the Austrian club. He is a three-time Austrian Champion (2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18) with Salzburg and has also spent a season on loan with Bundesliga 2 outfit Hamburger SV.

However, since returning from Germany after the 2018-19 loan spell, the centre-forward has been crucial to Salzburg’s success in the ongoing season.

Predominantly a centre-forward, Hwang has also been deployed on the wings by manager Jesse Marsch. The 24-year-old is creative and versatile, which would make him such a handy option for the tactically astute Nuno. He is an intelligent player and can both score and create an equal measure, as evident by his 41 goals and 22 assists so far for the Austrian giants.

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the sidelines. (Getty Images)
Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo on the sidelines. (Getty Images)

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The South Korean international would make for fantastic cover and competition for the likes of Adama Traore and Diogo Jota. Having said that, a move could well go on to pay rich dividends for Wolves in the years to come.

Verdict

Wolves signing Hwang could be an excellent move as he would not only add quality to their attack but also beef up Nuno’s squad next season. Thus, the Wanderers must prioritize the 24-year-old’s signing this summer.