KOR
▲ South Korea's Hwang In-beom celebrates after scoring an equalizer during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against the Czech Republic at the Akron Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on the 11th (local time).
Local media reports suggest that South Korean national football team midfielder Hwang In-beom is on the verge of leaving the Dutch club Feyenoord to join the Portuguese powerhouse FC Porto.
Portuguese outlet A Bola reported that "Hwang In-beom's transfer to Porto is virtually confirmed, and his salary has already been set," adding that "the move is proceeding smoothly."
The report stated, "Porto is continuing negotiations with Feyenoord regarding Hwang's transfer," and explained, "Talks between the two clubs are moving in a positive direction. A contract with Hwang, who is highly regarded by manager Francesco Farioli, could be finalized soon."
Describing Hwang, A Bola noted, "He is a player capable of performing various roles in midfield, with his primary position being central midfielder." The outlet added, "He has played in Europe for Rubin Kazan (Russia), Olympiacos (Greece), and Red Star Belgrade (Serbia), and is currently playing for Feyenoord."
Hwang's estimated annual salary at Porto is 3 million euros (approximately 5.1 billion won) before taxes, with a net salary of 1.5 million euros after taxes.
Hwang, who debuted in the K-League with Daejeon Hana Citizen in 2015, paved the way for his overseas career by winning a gold medal at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. He transitioned to an overseas-based player in 2019 after transferring to Major League Soccer (MLS) club Vancouver Whitecaps.
In 2020, Hwang moved to Rubin Kazan, later played for Olympiacos, and joined Red Star Belgrade in 2023.
After proving his skills at Red Star Belgrade by winning the league title and competing in the UEFA Champions League, Hwang has been playing for Feyenoord since 2024.
In the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, Hwang delivered a stellar performance in the Group A opener against the Czech Republic, recording one goal and one assist to lead the national team to a 2-1 victory.
FC Porto, the rumored next destination for Hwang, is a powerhouse that has won the Portuguese league title 31 times. The club has also been crowned champions twice in the UEFA Champions League (1986-1987 and 2003-2004 seasons) and twice in the UEFA Europa League (2002-2003 and 2010-2011 seasons).
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.
