Hwang Hee-chan (29, Wolverhampton) is once again making headlines with rumors of a transfer to Birmingham City, which is affiliated with the English Championship. While the realistic possibility is low, there is serious interest detected within the club.
The British regional newspaper 'Birmingham Mail' reported on the 14th (Korean time) that "Birmingham City has been in consolidation with Hwang Hee-chan throughout this summer transfer market," stating, "Although there is a view that his acquisition would be ideal, there are clear realistic barriers."
Hwang Hee-chan recorded 15 offensive points (11 goals, 4 assists) in 29 matches during the 2023-2024 Premier League season, playing a key role for Wolverhampton. However, his position has rapidly shaken in the latter part of the season and into the preseason of the 2024-2025 season. Under the newly appointed head coach Vitor Pereira, other attacking players are receiving more attention, and Hwang Hee-chan is facing a situation where he may need to consider a transfer.
According to reports, Hwang Hee-chan aims to secure consistent playing opportunities this season to make the final roster for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup next year. If he cannot get that assurance in the Premier League, he may consider a transfer to the Championship, even at the cost of relegation.
Among the options, Birmingham City is mentioned as an alternative. Birmingham has expanded its interest in the Asian market in recent years, strengthening its East Asian player roster by successively acquiring Baek Seung-ho, Lee Myung-jae, and five Japanese players. Notably, new head coach Chris Davis has shown deep trust in Baek Seung-ho, indicating a favorable attitude toward the possibility of Hwang Hee-chan joining, given their national team colleague relationship.
Hwang Hee-chan can play various positions, including central striker, second striker, and winger, boasting a high shooting success rate. Currently, Birmingham needs such a type of player and is classifying Hwang Hee-chan as a fitting candidate.
The biggest issue is the realistic conditions. Hwang Hee-chan signed a five-year contract extension with Wolverhampton last December. At that time, he was recognized for his high market value, with Marseille offering £21 million (approximately 38.9 billion won), and his weekly salary is known to be at the Premier League level.
'Birmingham Mail' pointed out that "Hwang Hee-chan's current conditions exceed Birmingham's wage structure. While a loan for Doyle was possible, it cannot be done for Hwang Hee-chan."
In reality, Birmingham has already made significant investments by acquiring seven players this summer. They are now focusing on squad restructuring rather than acquiring new players. Several players, including Ayumu Yokoyama and Manny Longelo, as well as Peacock-Farrell, Sanderson, and Tyler Roberts, are on the list to be released, and the acquisitions of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Demarai Gray have put Alphonse Samphs-ted and Emil Hansson's positions in jeopardy.
Ultimately, Hwang Hee-chan's transfer to Birmingham seems closer to 'an ideal but unrealistic scenario.' Within the club, there is a need for him, but financial constraints make the start of negotiations difficult. Nonetheless, if Hwang Hee-chan decides to take action for the World Cup, the possibility of unexpected developments cannot be ruled out.
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