Wolves’ top scorer Hee Chan Hwang has committed his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract until 2028, with the option of a further 12 months.
The South Korea international moved to Molineux initially on loan in 2021 and is now enjoying his best season yet in old gold, hitting nine goals before Christmas for Gary O’Neil’s side.
After a goal on debut at Watford two years ago, Hwang quickly displayed his ruthlessness in front of goal, not least with two deadly finishes in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United, leading to Wolves quickly making Molineux his permanent home.
Injuries and rotation during a difficult last season saw Hwang’s form slow, but never his commitment, and three goals in his final ten matches set the tone for what has been a scintillating 2023/24 season so far for the 27-year-old.
Only five players have scored more Premier League goals than the attacker this term, leaving him sat on eight – nine in all competitions – and a fine partnership with Pedro Neto and Matheus Cunha has been formed.
The match winner against champions Manchester City and brilliantly taken equaliser against Newcastle – both lifting the roof off the South Bank – are two of many high points this season for the attacker.
That Magpies strike equalled John Richards’ record for scoring in six consecutive top flight Molineux matches for the club and saw him become the first Wolves player since Derek Dougan 50 years earlier to score six goals in the first ten games of a top flight season.
Sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “Since Hee Chan arrived, it’s not always been pain sailing, but he’s always given everything for the club. Now, the fans are really appreciating what he’s doing on the pitch, he’s scoring goals and is an important part of Gary’s team. It’s fully deserved for what he’s doing on and off the pitch.
“Form always dominates these sorts of decisions, but Hee Chan’s bought into the club, he loves the area, and you can see the love he has for the fans. This fits really nicely and gives us some longevity with him on a longer contact, being such an important player for us.
“It shows good players can see what’s going on at Compton and what we’re trying to build. We’re resetting the club and moving forward again, and they want to be part of that project. For important players, praising the manager and coaching staff in the media can be easy, but this shows real commitment and belief.”
The Wolves man has continued to be a force for his country on and off the pitch too, sending South Korean into the knockout stages of the World Cup last November and making generous donations to the underprivileged in Bucheon recently.
It’s that character which appeals to Hobbs, O’Neil and the club greatly, as well as ability on the pitch, and Hwang will now remain at Molineux for another five years.
