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| Source=Hwang Hee-chan Instagram, Chelsea X Capture |
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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If Son Heung-min (Tottenham) had Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), the soul partner for Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) was Pedro Netu (Chelsea). I can't work with Netu anymore.
Netu moved to Chelsea with the opening of the English Premier League (EPL) in 2024-2025 season just around the corner. According to local media, he signed a seven-year long-term contract for a transfer fee of 54 million pounds (about 94 billion won). Portugal's striker scored nine assists in the EPL last season, drawing attention from Tottenham and Chelsea as he emerged as the league's best helper, and eventually joined Enzo Maresca's team, which is recruiting a storm.
The Wolverhampton player who will miss Netu's transfer the most is Hwang Hee-chan. Netu and Hwang Hee-chan have worked together steadily for the past three years. Netu moved from Lazio in 2019 and left Leipzig in 2021 to join Wolves. Hwang Hee-chan is four years older. Netu, who has excellent ball keeping and passing ability, and Hwang Hee-chan, who has excellent breakthrough and goal determination, were the best partners. Hwang Hee-chan is now in a position to find a new partner to score a quality pass from the offense.
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| APYonhap News |
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After Hwang Hee-chan joined Wolverhampton, players who have shown good abilities leave for big clubs every summer. In the summer of 2023, midfielder Matheus Núñez moved to Manchester City for 62 million euros and Huvain Neves left for Al Hilal for 55 million euros. Hwang Hee-chan has also often been linked to big clubs, but the transfer has not been made yet. This is the aftermath of each season's big and small injuries.
Hwang Hee-chan scored a career-high 12 goals last season and tied for 15th in the scoring rankings. The recognition of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has soared to the point where he picked 'The Korean Guy' as the core of Wolverhampton. If he scores double-digit points again as an ace in Wolverhampton this season, he will be more likely to join the big club after Núñez and Netu. The opening match will be held at Arsenal's away game on the 17th.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
