West Ham United are reportedly eyeing Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan in the upcoming January transfer window, as they look to bolster their attacking options for the second half of the Premier League season. According to The Telegraph’s Matt Law (January 5), Hwang is among a list of striker targets for the Hammers, alongside Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson and Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath. While West Ham have already made an enquiry about Ferguson’s availability, Brighton is still assessing the fitness of their striker, Danny Welbeck, which could influence their decision regarding Ferguson’s future.
The need for a striker at West Ham has become even more pressing due to injuries to key players like Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio, both of whom have been sidelined for significant periods this season. Their absences have left West Ham light in attack, and the club is now actively seeking a forward who can provide immediate support and help carry the burden for the team. While the Hammers’ pursuit of Ferguson has been well-documented, Law mentions that they could face stiff competition from other Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Fulham, which could complicate the negotiations. Given the situation, it seems wise for West Ham to explore multiple options in the market, and Hwang could provide an experienced, reliable alternative.
Hwang Hee-chan, who has 69 caps for South Korea and a wealth of experience playing in Europe, would be an intriguing addition to West Ham’s squad. Despite a challenging start to the season, in which he has scored just two goals — both coming in his last two matches — Hwang has proven his capabilities in the Premier League. Last season, he scored 12 goals for Wolves, which was a solid return in what was an underwhelming campaign for the club overall. His performances demonstrated that he has the technical ability and composure to succeed in England’s top flight. Though he missed some action earlier this season due to injury, his recent form has shown signs of him getting back to his best.
One key factor that makes Hwang an appealing target for West Ham is his experience both domestically and internationally. The 28-year-old forward has played in various top-tier leagues, including the Bundesliga, and his international experience with South Korea makes him a valuable asset in high-pressure situations. His versatility and ability to play across different attacking roles could also add a layer of flexibility to West Ham’s offensive play.
Furthermore, West Ham would likely benefit from Hwang’s calmness and tactical awareness, qualities that could help solidify their attacking unit, which has often looked disjointed at times this season. His experience at Wolves, where he has been a consistent performer despite the team’s struggles, means he could seamlessly integrate into the Premier League again, adjusting quickly to West Ham’s style of play. With Hwang’s proven ability to score goals in England’s top division, a change of scenery could be just what he needs to reignite his form and confidence in front of goal.
However, West Ham will face challenges in securing Hwang’s services. The Telegraph reports that Wolves turned down a £21 million bid for him in the summer, and given his current form under new manager Vitor Pereira, it is likely that the Midlands club will hold out for a significant transfer fee if they are to part ways with the South Korean forward. Wolves have also seen an improvement in their overall performances under Pereira, which could make the club more reluctant to sell any of their key players mid-season, especially one with Hwang’s experience and pedigree.
Despite these potential hurdles, it is clear that securing a striker like Hwang would be a significant coup for West Ham. His experience, goalscoring ability, and adaptability could offer the Hammers much-needed depth and stability up front, something they have lacked during this injury-ravaged period. With the January transfer window approaching, the Hammers will be hoping to get their man and bring in a striker who can hit the ground running and help propel them up the Premier League table.