South Korea's indispensable central midfielder nearing move to European powerhouse: "Salary of 5 billion won agreed... official announcement expected soon"

*This content was translated by AI.

It has become highly likely that a key midfielder of the South Korean national team will join a prestigious European club. The transfer of 30-year-old Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) to Portuguese giant FC Porto is in its final stages.

Dutch media outlet '1908.NL' reported on the 14th (Korea time), stating, "Hwang In-beom has entered the final phase of becoming a player for Porto," and added, "Porto is conducting very advanced negotiations with Feyenoord."

The media further stated, "There are no more obstacles to finalizing this transfer. Negotiations are proceeding smoothly, and an official announcement could come at any time."

According to local reports, Hwang In-beom's specific personal terms have also been finalized. His salary, which was strongly desired by Porto's head coach Francesco Paoli, is reported to reach 3 million euros (approximately 5 billion won).

On the same day, Portuguese media outlet 'O Jogo' also confirmed that Hwang In-beom's move to Porto was imminent. The media stated, "Porto's club leadership has reached a principled agreement with Hwang In-beom's agent side. Only final details of the contract remain to be adjusted," and added, "Negotiations have progressed rapidly. He is expected to become a key signing for Porto in the next season."

Previously, it was confirmed through overseas media reports that Hwang In-beom had been listed as a target for Porto's recruitment. Initially, Porto had been weighing whether to recall Seko Fofana from his loan spell and had explored acquiring Hwang In-beom, quickly reaching an agreement with the agent side to accelerate negotiations. While multiple clubs including Mexico's Monterrey showed interest besides Porto, Hwang In-beom ultimately chose Portugal.

Hwang In-beom played as a key player for Feyenoord last season despite injury setbacks, recording 1 goal and 4 assists in 24 matches. Notably, on the UEFA Champions League stage, he scored against Benfica, Porto's biggest rival, leaving a strong impression on Portuguese football. Additionally, he started all three group stage matches of the recent 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup qualifiers, recording 1 goal and 1 assist in the Czech Republic match (2-1 victory), once again proving his value on the global stage.

Coaches who recognize Hwang In-beom's talent also lent weight to the transfer rumors. Former South Korean national team coach Paulo Bento, in an interview with 'A Bola', compared Hwang In-beom to Portuguese legendary midfielder João Moutinho, praising him by saying, "He is a player with exceptionally outstanding game reading ability. He is aggressive and fearless in duels."

Furthermore, Coach Bento emphasized, "Hwang In-beom possesses perfect tactical abilities capable of playing not only as the 10th in a 4-2-3-1 or as a double pivot but also as the 6th in a 4-3-3. He can seamlessly integrate into any of Portugal's top three clubs."

Former senior coach João Aroso, who coached Hwang In-beom on the national team, also recently stated through 'Record', "Hwang In-beom's technical completeness and game management abilities perfectly match the requirements of the Portuguese league and Porto's tactics," expressing confidence in his success.

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*This content was translated by AI.