'Strong Recommendation by Ventura': Key South Korean National Team Player Appears Set to Join European Powerhouse "He's not particularly tall..."

*This content was translated by AI.

A key midfielder of the South Korean national team is now poised for a major opportunity to join a European powerhouse. Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) has been added to FC Porto's list of potential signings.

Sports media outlet OneFootball reported on the 12th (Korea time) that "Porto has placed Hwang In-beom from Feyenoord on its shortlist for a central midfielder and is closely monitoring his situation."

According to local outlets such as O Jogo on the same day, Porto has already contacted Hwang's agent and assessed his current status. Beyond Porto, several clubs including Mexico's Monterrey have shown interest in Hwang.

However, Porto appears likely to first consider re-signing Seko Fofana, who performed well in the second half of last season on loan, before making an official offer for Hwang.

Despite injury setbacks last season, Hwang In-beom proved his class by appearing in 24 matches for Feyenoord, recording one goal and four assists. Notably, on the UEFA Champions League stage, he scored against Benfica, Porto's fiercest rival, leaving a strong impression. Additionally, he started all three group-stage matches of the 2026 CONCACAF Nations League (FIFA), contributing one goal and one assist in the Czech Republic match (a 2-1 victory), continuing his outstanding performances to validate his value.

Ulru Ventura, former South Korean national team coach who knows Hwang's potential better than anyone, expressed strong support for Hwang's success on Portuguese soil. In response to transfer rumors surrounding Hwang, Portuguese outlet A Bola exclusively published an interview with Coach Ventura, who first selected Hwang for the national team in 2018 and led the squad as head coach for four years.

Recalling anecdotes from his playing days when Korean fans affectionately called Hwang In-beom "Ventura's Crown Prince" or "Ventura's Son" due to Ventura's protective attitude toward him, Coach Ventura said, "I remember players jokingly calling him that," while offering unreserved praise for his student's abilities.

Coach Ventura compared Hwang In-beom's tactical value to João Moutinho, a legendary Portuguese midfielder. He stated, "Comparisons are always delicate, but Hwang In-beom is very similar to Moutinho. He possesses an extraordinary understanding of the game. Although he is not particularly tall, he is highly aggressive in duels and shows no fear," giving him his highest praise.

Regarding tactical versatility, Coach Ventura explained, "Hwang In-beom is a tactically excellent player. With perfect tactical understanding and technical execution, he can seamlessly fit into any position: the No. 10 (attacking midfielder) in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the double pivot, the No. 6 in a 4-3-3 formation, or anywhere in a diamond setup."

Coach Ventura further added, "Hwang In-beom has the ability to integrate perfectly into any of Portugal's Big Three (Porto, Benfica, Sporting). He has already gained over five years of experience on European stages across Russia, Greece, Serbia, and the Netherlands, and speaks fluent English. He is fully prepared to make a leap to Porto, a higher level."

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*This content was translated by AI.