"Hwang Hee-chan, 35 seconds before the deadline!" Schalke's 'love or gamble' bypassing medicals... Wolverhampton 'escapes successfully' after direct call from the manager

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

South Korea national team striker Hwang Hee-chan (30) dramatically put on the Schalke04 jersey with just 35 seconds remaining in the transfer window. This marks his return to German football for the first time since joining RB Leipzig in 2021, five years later.

On the 2nd (Korean time), Hwang Hee-chan confirmed a loan move to Schalke until June 30, 2027. He will wear the number 7 jersey, with an option for a permanent transfer worth up to €3 million (approximately ₩4.7 billion) depending on his performance.

For Hwang Hee-chan, now in his 30s, this move is seen as his final opportunity to prove he still has competitiveness in Europe's top leagues. During the 2023–2024 season with Wolverhampton, he recorded a career-high of 13 goals and 3 assists. However, last season saw him decline due to frequent injuries and poor performance at the 2026 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The deal gained momentum after direct persuasion by Schalke manager Miran Muslic. After Wolverhampton's relegation to England's Championship (second division), Hwang Hee-chan's future had been uncertain. Manager Muslic extended a love call, saying, "Our vertical and powerful style of play perfectly matches your strengths."

Hwang Hee-chan, who closely followed Schalke's matches after their promotion back to the Bundesliga with a second-division title last season, responded by stating, "I am ready to fight at Schalke."

However, the contract process was not smooth. Initially, Wolverhampton wanted only a permanent transfer, while Schalke pushed for a loan deal at the last minute, delaying agreement and consuming significant time on paperwork. Ultimately, league approval came dramatically just 35 seconds before the 8th p.m. deadline — at 7:59:25 p.m.

Due to tight timing, even the mandatory medical examination was skipped. Schalke took the risk and proceeded with the loan, but Hwang Hee-chan's exact physical condition remains unknown.

Hwang Hee-chan's debut match for Schalke is expected to take place on the 6th at 1:30 a.m., against Bayern Munich, where Kim Min-jae plays. However, due to poor pre-season fitness and the absence of medical testing, it remains uncertain whether he will participate in this weekend's "Korean Derby." If there are lingering injuries, he is more likely to wait until fully recovered before making his debut.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original