Hwang Hee-Chan was linked away from Wolves this summer but decided to stay at Molineux for one key reason.
It was an odd summer transfer window from Wolves. After three major signings early on, the club departed with both Pedro Neto and Max Kilman soon after, with no replacements seemingly lined up.
Then, after a poor start to the Premier League season, Gary O’Neil’s side splashed the cash on deadline day as they brought in Andre, Sam Johnstone and Carlos Forbs.
However, the Old Gold could have lost more key players throughout the window after numerous links.
One of the biggest stars linked away was Hwang. French giants Marseille reportedly put in a bid for Hwang, but as deadline day came to an end, the South Korean international remained at Wolves.
Now the dust has settled, the 28-year-old has explained why he stayed at Molineux, with O’Neil being a big factor.
Gary O’Neil ‘convinced’ Hwang Hee-Chan to stay at Wolves
Hwang was sensational for Wolves last season. The attacker finished as the club’s top scorer in the Premier League as he found the net 12 times.
This was despite the winger competing in the Asian Cup in January with South Korea and picking up an injury soon after.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that interest was high in the summer, with former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi wanting to bring Hwang to France.
Even though the 28-year-old was tempted by the switch, a conversation with O’Neil helped convince the attack to stay at Molineux.
“I had a big decision to make this summer,” Hwang told The Sun. “Marseille made an offer for me and I spoke to Gary [O’Neil] many times and I had De Zerbi calling me almost every day.
“I trusted the gaffer, he said to me I was a very important player and he gave me some belief.
“After he said that I said I would stay and give everything.
“As long as Wolverhampton wants me then I will stay and fight for our team because I want to help my team and my team-mates.”
Read more: The top 10 best games of Wolves’ Fosun era.
Hwang Hee-Chan’s return to form vital for Wolves
It is now vital that Hwang returns to form if Wolves are going to quickly put their early poor results behind them.
The South Korean international has not set the world alight in the opening few games as he looks to get his first goal of the season.
This continued on international duty as Hwang failed to find the net against Palestine in a 0-0 draw on Thursday.
However, the 28-year-old has shown time and time again that he has the ability to be a star. If the attacker can just get his first goal of the season against Newcastle next weekend, it may start a snowball effect.