Behind the scenes of Hwang Hee-chan's move to Schalke: The coach's sincere effort, even mobilizing personal connections, won him over

*This content was translated by AI.

Hwang Hee-chan (30) is embarking on a new challenge with German Bundesliga side Schalke 04. Although his former club Wolverhampton was relegated to the English Championship (second division), Hwang received love calls from Europe's top leagues and headed for Schalke. After intense deliberation that lasted until the final moments of the transfer window, what moved Hwang's side was the genuine sincerity of coach Miran Muslic (44, Austria).

According to a European football transfer market official on the 4th, Hwang Hee-chan continued to deliberate over multiple club offers even until the very end of the transfer deadline. Top teams from Spain's La Liga and France's Ligue 1 had set up negotiation tables to sign him. It was not limited to Europe either. In Brazil's league, clubs offered him a high salary to propose a transfer. While rumors circulated about a potential move to the Middle East or a return to the K-League, Hwang ultimately weighed numerous options, including Europe's top leagues, and deliberated until the last moment.

Hwang Hee-chan prioritized how consistently he could play over club size or salary. Ultimately, the coach's tactical style and, more importantly, how much the team wanted him were decisive factors. In this regard, Schalke 04 coach Miran Muslic successfully won Hwang's heart.

A video of direct phone conversations between coach Muslic and Hwang Hee-chan has already been released by Schalke 04. Coach Muslic stated, "We pursue direct and strong football. It is attacking and pressing football. We believe your talents will fit well here. Please consider our playing style carefully. Everyone wants you." Hwang responded, "I want to play the coach's football together." This video became an unusual 'official' announcement that formalized Hwang Hee-chan's transfer to Schalke 04.

However, it was not just the video. Coach Muslic repeatedly spoke directly with Hwang Hee-chan and even mobilized his personal connections, including players currently on the team, to persuade him to join. According to the official, this extraordinary effort by the coach to secure Hwang's signing became the 'decisive blow' that led Hwang to choose Schalke 04 among many options.

There was also a past connection. Although Coach Muslic is originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, he has lived in Austria for a long time and now holds Austrian nationality. Coincidentally, Hwang Hee-chan began his professional career in Austria with clubs like Salzburg, and Coach Muslic had known him since his Salzburg days. During this transfer process, it was reported that Muslic spoke directly with Hwang, expressing that he had been a fan of Hwang since his Salzburg period and wanted to play together again.

According to the official, immediately after joining Schalke 04, Coach Muslic spent over an hour personally directing Hwang's training from the first session, showing great affection. Although Schalke 04 is a promoted team in this season's Bundesliga, both parties are highly satisfied with facilities and scale, which surprised Hwang's side significantly. While there are no major issues with his current physical condition, there is no urgent need to force him into action, so the timing of his Schalke debut is expected to be carefully coordinated.

Previously, Hwang Hee-chan left Wolverhampton and transferred to Schalke on a one-season loan deal. He wears jersey number 7. The transfer includes an option worth 3 million euros (approximately 4.8 billion won), meaning depending on his performance this season, he could either permanently join Schalke or pursue a move to an even larger club.

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*This content was translated by AI.