“I’ve spoken to him, If I was managing another team I’d be interested in Channy as well, I’m confident that he’ll still be here”- Gary O’Neil finally speaks out on future of Hwang Hee-chan at Wolves amidst Marseille transfer interest

Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has opened up on the future of Hwang Hee-chan amid transfer links to Marseille this summer.

Preparation for the 2024/25 campaign is well underway at Wolves for Gary O’Neil’s side, as the squad recently completed a training camp in Marbella. The next destination for the Old Gold is the United States, where they will continue their pre-season tour, with all eyes on bolstering the squad ahead of next term.

Aside from strengthening the team on the pitch, O’Neil has dabbled in the transfer market to welcome new arrivals; however, the window has also opened the door to possible exits.

Captain Max Kilman has already departed and now, another key Wolves player has been linked with a possible move.

Over the past few weeks, reports have suggested that Marseille have approached Wolves to sign Hwang Hee-chan.

It’s believed that the Midlands club rejected the Ligue 1 side’s offer in the region of £21m, with the price being below Wolves’ valuation of the forward.

Speculation has also suggested that Hwang wants to sign for Marseille however, such narrative has now been counteracted by O’Neil.  In an interview with Express and Star whilst at Wolves’ training camp in Marbella, the manager explained a conversation he’d had with the 28-year-old. 

“I’m pretty sure Channy will be staying, I’ve spoken to him, he’s happy, he understands his role in the team and understands how important he is to me and the group.

“If I was managing another team I’d be interested in Channy as well, he had a really good season and it did taper out a bit when he had his injury, but he’s looked really sharp this week.

“Channy will be important to us next year and I’m confident that he’ll still be here.”

Hwang will be crucial to Wolves next season

With Pedro Neto’s future still being speculated, the prospect of losing both Hwang and the Portugal winger is not a possibility for Wolves.

Last season, the duo contributed to over half of the club’s Premier League goals, as the £14m South Korea international netted 12 and assisted three to become a crucial part of O’Neil’s attack.  Now that the manager has made his stance on the dynamic forward’s future clear, there will be hope that the rumours can be snuffed out, with full focus wanted on next season.

Of course, anything can happen in the transfer window although, one thing for sure is that the Old Gold will want to retain the talent of Hwang after his performances last term.