Crystal Palace are not expected to make a late move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan, despite the attacker being made available for transfer this summer.
The 30-year-old was heavily linked with Crystal Palace last summer, but the Eagles have decided against reviving their interest before the transfer window closes.
Hwang is looking for a fresh challenge after falling out of favour at Wolves, who were relegated from the Premier League last season. However, his recent form appears to have done little to convince Crystal Palace that he is the right option.
Hwang’s numbers have fallen away
There was a time when Hwang looked like one of Wolves’ most dangerous attacking players.
His 2023/24 campaign was the best season he had in a Wolves shirt. The South Korean forward scored 12 Premier League goals that season and finished as Wolves’ top scorer. But things have changed dramatically since then.
Hwang scored only two goals in the Premier League last season as Wolves finished bottom of the table and were relegated to the Championship.He has managed just five goals in 56 appearances in the last two seasons. These attacking outputs have put many potential suitors off.
Another important factor is Hwang’s age. At 30, Hwang would be expected to make an immediate impact rather than develop over the season but his goals in the last two seasons point towards another direction.
His contract situation isn’t helping either. Hwang is among Wolves’ highest earners, meaning any interested club would also have to consider the financial commitment involved.
Wolves ready to move Hwang on
Hwang’s situation at Molineux has become increasingly difficult.
New Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto appears to have no plans for the forward, with Hwang among the players told to train with the Under-21s and find a new club before the transfer window closes.
He has been left out of Wolves’ pre-season altogether and hasn’t been given an opportunity to impress in their friendly matches.
That has effectively made his position clear.
Wolves are now willing to listen to offers for the South Korean, while Hwang himself is understood to be interested in moving on and finding a new challenge.
For Palace, though, the door appears to be closed.
The Eagles were linked with Hwang heavily last summer, but there is no indication they intend to return with an offer this time around.
Given his recent scoring record, injury problems and age, Crystal Palace have seemingly decided that the risks outweigh the potential reward.
Hwang’s best days at Wolves may not necessarily be behind him, but he will need a significant change of scenery to rediscover the form that produced 12 Premier League goals in 2023/24.
