Hwang Hee-chan (29, Wolverhampton) returned to Korea after having experienced the worst season.
Wolverhampton drew 1-1 with Brentford in the final match of the 2024-25 Premier League season held at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton, England, on the 26th. Wolverhampton finished the season in 15th place with 42 points.
Excluded from the starting lineup for the final match, Hwang Hee-chan waited on the bench but was ultimately not given a chance to play. Although coach Viktor Pereira substituted four field players in the second half, Hwang Hee-chan's name was not mentioned. Hwang Hee-chan finished the season with a disappointing record of 21 league appearances, 5 starts, and 2 goals.
Last season, Hwang Hee-chan recorded 25 starts and scored 12 goals in 29 matches. In just one year, all records were drastically reduced in every institutional sector. This signifies that Hwang Hee-chan has been in poor form and has fallen behind in the competition for a starting role, failing to gain the trust of the coach.
Hwang Hee-chan's 2 goals are the worst performance in four seasons since joining the Premier League in 2021. His 21 appearances are also the fewest in the English stage. The 5 starts are the lowest as well. Hwang Hee-chan can be considered to be in a crisis in every aspect.
After missing the final match, Hwang Hee-chan left a cryptic message on his social media saying '....' Although there were no words on the black screen, there are interpretations within the UK that Hwang Hee-chan, disappointed with repeated absences, has resolved to leave Wolverhampton.
'Molineux News' reported, "Hwang Hee-chan could leave Wolves. Hwang Hee-chan left a message on his social media indicating he might leave the team. In fact, Hwang Hee-chan has only played 868 minutes in 25 matches. With 2 goals and 1 assist, his record is also disappointing. News of a split emerged as Hwang Hee-chan struggled from the beginning of the season."
Hwang Hee-chan is no longer a promising player. The media noted, "Hwang Hee-chan joined Wolverhampton for the first time in 2021, but he is now 29 years old. It is a good time for him to change teams, as coach Pereira is not consistently using him as a starter."
Currently, Hwang Hee-chan is in Korea undergoing rest and recovery training. He posted a photo exercising at the Bucheon Sports Complex on the 29th, with a message saying it is a "great place to train."
After recharging, Hwang Hee-chan is expected to respond to the national team gathering on June 2 and depart for Iraq. Although Hwang Hee-chan has not had much playing time at his club, he is in good physical condition.
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