▲ Hwang Hee-chan
South Korean national team forward Hwang Hee-chan (30) is heading to the German Bundesliga on loan to Schalke 04.
Schalke announced through its official website today (September 2, Korea time) that it has signed Hwang on a one-season loan deal running until June 30, 2027.
Schalke Sporting Director Youri Mulder stated, "With the addition of Hwang, our attacking lineup has gained significantly more weight," adding, "His ability to play multiple positions and his rich experience gained across various leagues and the national team are also great strengths."
Hwang shared his thoughts, saying, "Watching Schalke's matches last season left a strong impression on me, and after carefully observing the team's style, I concluded that it would be a good fit for me."
According to German media reports, the agreement includes an option for a permanent transfer.
It is reported that if Schalke exercises the option after the season ends, it will need to pay Wolverhampton a transfer fee of 3 million euros (approximately 4.78 billion won).
Hwang, regarded as one of the high earners at Wolverhampton, had a contract remaining until June 2028, but posted a somewhat sluggish performance last season with only 3 goals.
Compounding this, Wolverhampton suffered relegation to the bottom of the English Premier League, further narrowing his standing.
Although a move to Leeds United was once rumored, his actual destination turned out to be Schalke.
Having previously experienced the German stage through spells at Hamburger SV and RB Leipzig, Hwang is returning to the Bundesliga for the first time in five years through this transfer.
Meanwhile, Schalke is a club that has finished as Bundesliga runners-up seven times since the league's inception, and earned promotion back to the top flight after winning the second division last season.
Schalke's next fixture is a home match against Bayern Munich, where Kim Min-jae plays, scheduled for 1:30 AM on September 6.
(Photo: Getty Images)
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