![South Korea forward Hwang Hee-chan has left relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers for Bundesliga club Schalke 04 on loan. [Photo from Schalke 04 website]](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2026/09/02/20260902083809339564.png)
According to local media, Hwang's deal with Schalke runs through June 30 next year and includes an option for the Miners to sign him permanently for a reported transfer fee of 3 million euros (about 4.78 billion South Korean won).
Despite Hwang's contract with Wolverhampton running through June 2028, he decided to leave the club after struggling last season with just three goals in 31 appearances as the Wanderers were relegated to England's second tier.
Several clubs including Leeds United FC reportedly showed interest in Hwang during the summer transfer window, but he opted to join the Bundesliga club, marking his return to German football for the first time since leaving RB Leipzig in 2021.
The Miners had been in the second division since 2023 before finally winning the title last season to secure promotion to the top tier.
Schalke's manager Yuri Mulder expressed expectations for Hwang, saying the striker would give the team "more options in attack," given his years of experience across different leagues.
Hwang could make his Schalke debut as early as this Saturday, when the Miners are scheduled to have a home match against FC Bayern Munich.
If Hwang makes an appearance, he would face Bayern's South Korean defender Kim Min-jae in a matchup between two compatriots.
AJP Takeaways
• Hwang Hee-chan has joined FC Schalke 04 on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers through June 30, 2027, with an option for a permanent transfer for a reported fee of 3 million euros.
• The move marks Hwang Hee-chan's return to German football for the first time since leaving RB Leipzig in 2021, following a season in which he scored three goals in 31 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
• Hwang Hee-chan could make his FC Schalke 04 debut on September 5, 2026, against FC Bayern Munich and potentially face South Korean defender Kim Min-jae.
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