[Official] Hwang Hee-chan's surprise transfer! Was a substitute at Wolverhampton, but excitement explodes in Germany for "major signing"... Joins Schalke on loan

*This content was translated by AI.

South Korea national team striker Hwang Hee-chan is moving to German club Schalke 04 on loan. After a difficult period at England's Wolverhampton, he will now have the opportunity to build a foundation for a comeback in the familiar German league.

Wolverhampton announced on the 2nd (Korea time) via its official website that "Hwang Hee-chan has been loaned to Schalke for this season," adding that "the contract includes an option to convert to a permanent transfer next summer." Hwang is under contract with Wolverhampton until 2028. This season, he will play in Germany's Bundesliga.

With this move, Hwang Hee-chan returns to the German stage. He previously played for Hamburg SV and RB Leipzig, gaining experience in German football.

This is also a crucial decision for Hwang to regain playing time. Since joining Wolverhampton in 2021, Hwang has been a key attacker, scoring 13 goals in 31 official matches during the 2023–2024 season. He netted 12 goals solely in the English Premier League (EPL), leading his team in league goal-scoring.

However, his position has recently narrowed significantly. Hwang struggled to maintain his fitness due to frequent injuries and lost out in the competition for a starting spot. In the 2025–2026 season, he appeared in 26 league matches, recording two goals and two assists. Of these, eight were as a substitute.

Wolverhampton itself was relegated to the Championship (second division) at the end of the 2025–2026 season due to poor performance.

Although new head coach Cesar Fajshou took charge for the new season, Hwang Hee-chan has rarely been given a chance. While Wolverhampton currently holds two wins, one draw, and one loss (seven points), Hwang has not played a single minute this season. His name has never appeared on the matchday squad.

Matt Jackson, Wolverhampton's technical director, explained upon announcing Hwang's transfer: "Hwang was given a last-minute opportunity just before the German transfer market deadline." He added, "He is returning to an environment where he feels very comfortable. What Hwang needs now is simply to play in matches."

Jackson continued, "Hwang expressed frustration at not being able to play. That is only natural. The best players always want to be on the pitch."

At the same time, Jackson praised Hwang's professional attitude. Director Jackson stated, "Even though Hwang knew he was not included in the new season plans here, he showed excellent performance during pre-season training." He emphasized, "It was a difficult situation for the player, but he accepted it with dignity. He is a true professional and acted perfectly in all situations."

While Hwang has lost playing time at Wolverhampton, local German perspectives on him are quite different.

German media outlet n-tv reported on Hwang's transfer, describing it as "Schalke securing a major signing just before the transfer market deadline."

The outlet introduced Hwang as an "internationally experienced ready-made asset" and expressed high expectations, noting that "Schalke added another striker just before the transfer window closed."

The report also highlighted that Hwang has made 150 appearances for Wolverhampton with 27 goals and 12 assists, while scoring 17 goals in 82 international matches for the South Korean national team.

Hwang Hee-chan himself did not hide his excitement about the new challenge. After joining Schalke, he said, "Last season, Schalke 04 left a deep impression on me." He added, "I studied the team's playing style in detail and believe I will fit well with the squad."

He further expressed anticipation: "Now I am really looking forward to the day when I can experience that atmosphere firsthand as a Schalke player at a packed stadium."

Schalke is a traditional powerhouse representing Germany. In the Bundesliga, they have never won the title but have finished as runners-up seven times. From 2023 to 2026, they remained in the second division, but last season they secured promotion back to the Bundesliga by winning the second-division championship.

The current squad includes goalkeeper Loris Karius, who previously played for England's Liverpool.

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*This content was translated by AI.