Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch confirmed the club’s interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan on Tuesday. Reports of the Whites being keen in the South Korea international emerged last week as they continue their pursuit of a new striker.
Hwang is down the pecking order at Wolves this season after a number of attacking signings and therefore could be allowed to leave, despite only officially signing permanently for the club this summer.
On Leeds’ interest, Marsch said after the 1-1 draw with Everton: “I know Hee-chan very well. I like Hee-chan. He knows our football. I can tell you he's been on our list from the beginning.” With less than two days until the window slams shut, here is everything you need to know on the striker.
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What has he done so far?
After progressing through the ranks of Pohang Steelers Youth, Hwang made the move to Austrian football in January 2015. He spent one year at FC Liefring, which since 2012 has effectively been the reserve side of Red Bull Salzburg.
Around two-and-a-half years into his time at Salzburg, Hwang spent a season out on loan at Hamburg, but struggled to find the net on a regular basis as he scored just twice. But upon his return from the German side, Hwang then went on to enjoy his best season in a Salzburg shirt, under the management of Marsch.
He scored 16 goals and provided 22 assists in 40 matches across all competitions, which earned him a move to RB Leipzig. Again, though, Hwang struggled in Germany as he failed to find the net once in any of his 20 Bundesliga appearances.
After just over a year at Leipzig, Hwang made the loan switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer and started his time in the Premier League in red hot form. He netted four goals in his first six appearances, but has since scored just once since November.
Why would Marsch want him?
The obvious draw for Marsch is that he has coached him before and so understands the system well, which is clearly something Leeds have targeted this summer. Hwang is a good presser from the front and is also good at getting in behind defences with his pace.
What has Marsch said about him?
During the two’s time together at Salzburg, Marsch claimed Hwang was destined for an opportunity at a big club. He said: “Chan has been here for many years and I think he has learned a lot and developed well. He's definitely ready for a big team.
“If it happens in summer, I say, 'Thank you Chan, you did very well here in Salzburg, good luck! But it can also happen in winter. I do not know. "
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