Exclusive: Wolves’ stance on Hwang Hee-Chan sale amid Crystal Palace interest
Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-Chan is once again at the centre of transfer speculation, with growing reports linking the South Korean international to a move to Crystal Palace. Sources close to Molineux News have shed light on Wolves’ current position regarding the possibility of letting the attacker depart before the transfer window shuts.
The rumours began to gather pace earlier this month when it was confirmed that Matt Hobbs – Wolves’ former sporting director, who stepped down from his role at Molineux earlier in the summer – would be taking up a position at Crystal Palace. Naturally, his arrival at Selhurst Park has sparked talk that Hobbs could look to raid his old club, with Hwang emerging as a potential target.
Hwang has long been linked with an exit from Wolves. Since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021, initially on loan before making the move permanent, the forward has shown flashes of his quality but has struggled for consistent minutes or form. Despite that, the 29-year-old has made it clear on numerous occasions that he wishes to continue competing in the Premier League rather than head abroad.
Wolves’ openness to a deal
According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Wolves are now open to sanctioning Hwang’s departure, provided the terms of Crystal Palace’s offer prove favourable to both the player and the club. While respected within the squad, Hwang has not been regarded as an indispensable part of Vitor Pereira’s plans going forward, and the club could use the funds or wage space to strengthen in other areas before the window closes.
For Palace, the interest in Hwang is strategic. Oliver Glasner’s side are bracing themselves for the potential loss of another talisman, with Arsenal and Tottenham both circling around Eberechi Eze. This comes just a year after the Eagles reluctantly sold Michael Olise to Chelsea, leaving them eager to avoid being caught short in attacking areas once again.
Agreement with Palace progressing
Reports from Football Asian claim that Hwang has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Crystal Palace. The South London club are believed to be working on a loan move with an option to buy – a structure that would allow them to test Hwang in the Premier League before committing to a permanent transfer.
Glasner, who took charge of Palace earlier this year, is said to be a long-term admirer of the forward. He previously considered bringing Hwang to the Bundesliga during his managerial spells in Germany and is now eager to work with him at Selhurst Park. The Austrian manager views Hwang’s versatility, work rate, and direct style of play as valuable attributes that could slot seamlessly into his system.
Interestingly, Hwang has turned down interest from several clubs across Europe in recent months, including approaches from Turkey, Italy, and the Bundesliga. His firm preference remains to stay in England and prove himself at the highest level of English football.
Wolves’ condition for approval
While Palace are confident of completing the deal, Wolves are not expected to give the final green light until they secure a suitable replacement. With the transfer window entering its final stretch, Pereira and the recruitment team are working against the clock to ensure the squad remains competitive, particularly in attacking depth.
For now, the situation is delicately poised. Wolves are willing to part ways with Hwang if the circumstances align, Palace are keen to add him to their ranks, and the player himself is enthusiastic about the move. However, whether the deal gets across the line may ultimately depend on Wolves’ ability to bring in reinforcements before the deadline.