Reports have emerged that Birmingham City, part of the English Championship (second division), is pushing to sign Hwang Hee-chan (29, Wolverhampton). However, due to the high transfer fee and salary, there are observations that the likelihood of the deal being finalized is low.
Birmingham World, which mainly covers news from Birmingham, reported on the 15th (Korea time) that 'Birmingham has set Hwang Hee-chan as its top transfer target. The club has recently focused on targeting the East Asian market. Hwang Hee-chan has made the list.'
Birmingham has recently brought in Fujimoto Kanya and Furuhashi Kyogo, following the signings of Baek Seung-ho and Iwata Tomoki last season. They are also keeping an eye on Hwang Hee-chan, who has been sidelined at Wolverhampton.
Hwang Hee-chan achieved his career-best performance by recording 13 goals and 3 assists in 31 matches during the 2023-2024 English Premier League season. However, his position has significantly shaken for the 2024-2025 season. Frequent injuries and the lack of selection by newly appointed coach Vítor Pereira during the season contributed to this. Ultimately, he was limited to 2 goals and 1 assist in 25 matches.
Birmingham World evaluated that 'Hwang Hee-chan is a versatile asset who can cover all positions in the attack. This aligns with the strategy of head coach Kris Davis, who prefers versatile players.'
It also added that 'since Wolverhampton has put Hwang Hee-chan on the transfer market, a practical approach is possible from Birmingham's perspective.'
Baek Seung-ho, who is close friends with Hwang Hee-chan, plays for Birmingham. The team is considered one where he can quickly adapt.
However, there are clear financial barriers to the realization of the transfer. Hwang Hee-chan has a long-term contract with Wolverhampton until 2028. The club also holds an option for a one-year extension. Birmingham Live predicted that 'the transfer would be difficult due to financial obstacles.'
The nuance suggests that both the transfer fee and salary are beyond Birmingham's limits.
Hwang Hee-chan received an offer of about £21 million (approximately 39 billion won) from French club Marseille last summer. This exceeds the highest transfer fee in Birmingham's club history. It is also reported that his salary amounts to £3.64 million (approximately 670 million won) per year, which is about three times that of Birmingham's highest-paid player.
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