Hwang Hee-chan (29, Wolverhampton) is being mentioned as a candidate for release ahead of the summer transfer market.

A British media outlet, Football Insider, reported on the 23rd (Korea time), citing the Daily Mail, that Wolverhampton plans to part ways with five players this summer. It is known that Hwang Hee-chan, along with Boubacar Traore, Tommy Doyle, Craig Dawson, and Sam Johnstone, is included in the release list.

The outlet noted, "We have entered an era where revenue and sustainability rules (PSR) are applied. A player not favored by the coach could be a transfer target at any time."

Wolverhampton parted ways with manager Gary O'Neil, who valued Hwang Hee-chan, and appointed manager Vitor Pereira in the summer of 2024.

Colomos, a reporter from the Daily Mail, noted, "Hwang Hee-chan is an attacking resource that can be utilized on both the flank and in central positions. However, it seems that manager Pereira does not consider him a starter."

Hwang Hee-chan joined Wolverhampton ahead of the 2021-2022 season and has consistently proven his competitiveness in the Premier League. In particular, during the 2023-2024 season, he achieved his personal best performance with 12 goals and 3 assists in 29 league matches under manager O'Neil. This success led to an extension of his contract with the club until 2028.

However, Hwang Hee-chan faced a decline in performance in the second half of last season due to injuries and poor form. He participated in 21 league matches but mostly came on as a substitute. His total playing time was only 652 minutes, and he scored just 2 goals.

After the match against Kuwait in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the 10th, Hwang Hee-chan said in an interview, "Honestly, I want to play so much. I have good memories of performing well in the past. If I can stay at Wolverhampton and get some playing time, staying is a priority. But if that’s not possible, I am considering an environment where I can get playing opportunities."

Prior to this, The Athletic also reported that Wolverhampton was open to hearing transfer offers for Hwang Hee-chan.

Wolverhampton-focused media outlet Molineux News claimed, "Hwang Hee-chan received interest from Olympique Marseille in 2023, but ultimately stayed with the team. He might regret that choice."

Hwang Hee-chan received significant interest from Marseille ahead of his re-signing in December 2023.

Roberto De Zerbi, the new head coach of Marseille, reportedly even called him to express his desire for his acquisition. However, at that time, manager O'Neil also strongly wanted Hwang Hee-chan to stay. Ultimately, Hwang Hee-chan chose to remain at Wolverhampton.

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