Hwang In-beom, fell in love while seeing him as an opponent... FC Porto manager who has watched him since his Ajax days sends 'strong offer' → Transfer imminent

*This content was translated by AI.

South Korean national team midfielder Hwang In-beom (29, Feyenoord) is on the verge of transferring to Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto. It has been reported that FC Porto manager Francesco Parisoli (37) strongly desires to sign him.

On the 18th (Korean time), Dutch outlet 1908.nl, citing a report from Portuguese media O Jogo, stated that "Hwang In-beom's transfer to FC Porto has entered its final stages."

According to reports, Feyenoord and FC Porto have reached a principle agreement on Hwang In-beom's transfer. The transfer fee to be paid by FC Porto to Feyenoord is approximately 5 million euros (about 8.5 billion won).

Negotiations between Hwang In-beom and FC Porto regarding personal terms are also virtually complete. Hwang has agreed to a three-year contract with FC Porto, which includes a one-year extension option. Additionally, Hwang is set to receive an after-tax annual salary of 1.5 million euros (about 2.5 billion won) at FC Porto.

Currently, both clubs are coordinating the final administrative procedures and fine-tuning specific conditions. Unless any special variables arise, the transfer is expected to be finalized.

1908.nl explained that "Hwang In-beom is expected to arrive in Porto and complete the transfer formalities," adding that "after passing the medical test, he will sign the contract and make an official club announcement. This significantly increases the likelihood of Hwang's time at Feyenoord coming to an end."

Founded in 1893, FC Porto is recognized as one of Portugal's top clubs alongside Benfica and Sporting CP. In the 2025-2026 season, they topped the Portuguese Primeira Liga, securing their 31st league title overall. This was their first league championship since the 2021-2022 season, ending a four-year drought.

The club also boasts an illustrious history on the European stage. They have won the UEFA Champions League (UCL) twice and claimed the UEFA Europa League title on two occasions. Additionally, they have one UEFA Super Cup victory to their name.

A representative player for FC Porto is Portuguese national team starting goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Tiago Silva, known as 'Brazil's legendary defender,' also played for FC Porto during the second half of the 2025-2026 season. Silva signed a short-term contract with FC Porto in December last year, valid until the end of the season.

It has been reported that manager Parisoli's intentions were decisive in securing Hwang In-beom's signing. 1908.nl explained that "the Italian-born coach Parisoli had the experience of watching Hwang In-beom play for Feyenoord while he was managing Ajax (Netherlands). Although they faced each other as opposing team players, Parisoli highly evaluated Hwang's performance and appears to have actively pursued his signing even after taking charge at FC Porto."

Coach Parisoli previously managed Fatih Karagümrük and Alanyaspor (both in Turkey), OGC Nice (France), and Ajax before taking the helm at FC Porto last year. He has already been recognized for his coaching abilities by leading the club to a league title in his first season at FC Porto.

FC Porto has reportedly been working on strengthening their midfield amid recent speculation about the potential transfer of Danish midfielder Viktor Prohlolt. While several midfielders have been mentioned as acquisition targets, Hwang In-beom emerged as one of the key prospects and is now on the verge of being signed.

1908.nl stated that "FC Porto evaluates experienced national team player Hwang In-beom as a versatile player capable of playing multiple positions in midfield," adding that "he is particularly seen as a resource well-suited for the box-to-box midfielder role, involved in both attack and defense."

Hwang In-beom also participated with the South Korean national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Notably, he recorded one goal and one assist in the group stage's first match against Czech Republic, leading South Korea to a 2-1 comeback victory. Although South Korea was unfortunately eliminated from the group stage, Hwang received high praise for his performance.

Earlier, another Dutch outlet Voetbal International also stated that "FC Porto had been closely monitoring Korean midfielder Hwang In-beom. His performances at the North American World Cup heightened the interest of FC Porto, one of Portugal's top clubs." They further explained that "FC Porto has been watching Hwang's performances for some time, and this tournament has firmly put his name on their radar."

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*This content was translated by AI.