Wolverhampton Wanderers could have a real bargain on their hands if they manage to secure the signing of Bordeaux and South Korea striker Hwang Ui-jo.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about Wolves’ potential transfer business, ahead of the final two weeks of the transfer window.
Despite Wolves making three signings so far this summer, Bruno Lage is still in desperate need of an out-and-out striker, after Raúl Jiménez suffered a medial collateral ligament injury as well as a slight groin strain in pre-season, with the club confirming he’d be out for a number of weeks, whilst their other alternative in Fábio Silva has been sent on a season-long loan to Anderlecht.
According to L’Equipe in France, Nottingham Forest have had a £3.5m bid for Hwang accepted, but the striker’s camp would prefer for the 29-year-old to make the move to Molineux this summer, with the forward being offered the chance to partner up with fellow South Korea forward Hwang Hee-chan if he signs for the West Midlands outfit.
And O’Rourke believes that it would be a real bargain if Wolves could secure the signing of the four-time South Korea international, who has been dubbed a “wonderful player to coach” by his manager Jean-Louis Gasset.
“It looks a real bargain fee, that, for Hwang from Bordeaux who has done quite well in Ligue 1.
“I think it’s pretty vital now that Wolves do bring in a striker, they’re pretty short of numbers in attack with Raúl Jiménez’s injury.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments
We believe that at this stage of the window, it’s a no-brainer for Wolves to bring in a striker that they so desperately need, and at the price of just £3.5m, they would still have enough transfer budget left to sign an alternative option, if the hierarchy aren’t entirely comfortable with his signing.
Hwang scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 32 Ligue 1 appearances last season according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that he would be able to provide a decent goal contribution for Lage’s side, if he could transfer that form into the Premier League.
Therefore, with under two weeks of the transfer window remaining, if Wolves can get a deal over the line for the Bordeaux striker, we think that the club should be happy enough with the signing, even if it is only for a season.