Hwang Hee-chan (29, Wolverhampton) has once again emerged as a target of interest for Championship club Birmingham City. While the likelihood of an actual transfer remains low, it has been reported that serious exploration is ongoing internally.
The British local media 'Birmingham Mail' noted on the 14th (Korean time) that "Hwang Hee-chan's name has been consistently mentioned alongside Birmingham during this summer's transfer window," adding that "while the transfer appears to be an attractive scenario, in reality, many challenges exist."
Last season, Hwang Hee-chan played a total of 29 matches in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals and providing 4 assists, establishing himself as a key player in Wolverhampton's attack. However, following the second half of the season and preseason, under the new manager Vitor Pereira, his position has become somewhat unstable. Currently, other attacking resources in the team are prioritized, prompting Hwang Hee-chan to consider new options for playing opportunities.
According to reports, Hwang Hee-chan's main goal is to secure regular playing time ahead of the 2026 North and Central American World Cup to be included in the national team roster. If he cannot receive that guarantee in the Premier League, he is analyzing the situation of possibly transferring to a team in a lower league where consistent playing time is available.
In this context, Birmingham City has been mentioned as one of the strong destinations. The club has strengthened its approach to the Asian football market in recent years, gradually increasing the proportion of players from East Asia by signing Baek Seung-ho, Lee Myung-jae, and several Japanese players. Newly appointed manager Chris Davies is known to have a strong trust in Baek Seung-ho, and there are rumors that he expressed a positive attitude toward the acquisition of Hwang Hee-chan.
Hwang Hee-chan is capable of playing various positions, including central striker, wings, and the second line, and he has relatively high scoring efficiency. Currently, Birmingham is in need of such versatile attacking resources, and Hwang Hee-chan is seen as an strategically ideal fit.
However, the feasibility is significantly constrained. Hwang Hee-chan signed a five-year extension with Wolverhampton at the end of last year, and he is a player in high demand in the market, as evidenced by Marseille offering around £21 million (approximately 38.9 billion won) in transfer fees. His weekly wage is also reportedly at the upper level of the Premier League.
Birmingham Mail pointed out that "Hwang Hee-chan exceeds Birmingham's wage structure financially. While the loan acquisition of Doyle was possible, approaching Hwang Hee-chan is not easy at all."
Birmingham has already made significant investments by bringing in 7 players during this summer transfer window. They are now focusing more on organizing existing players rather than further acquisitions. Names like Yokoyama Ayumu, Manny Longelo, as well as Peacock-Farrell and Tyler Roberts are at risk of leaving. With the acquisitions of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Demarai Gray, Alphonse Simms and Emil Hansem also find their positions diminished.
Hwang Hee-chan's potential move to Birmingham aligns well with the team's needs and the player's characteristics, but the realistic financial conditions pose a barrier. Inside the club, there is a positive outlook on his joining, but currently, even opening the door for negotiations is not easy. However, if Hwang Hee-chan makes a bold decision for World Cup preparation, the market dynamics could change at any time.
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