Hwang Hee-chan signs new Wolves contract

Hwang joined the Premier League club on loan in the summer of 2021, joining the club permanently the following July on a four-year deal that tied him until the club until 2026.

Hwang Hee-chan poses while signing a new contract with Wolverhampton Wanderers in a photo shared by the club on Thursday. [WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS]

WOLVERHAMPTON, England — Hwang Hee-chan has signed a new contract that will see him stay with Wolverhampton Wanderers until at least 2028, the club announced Thursday.

Hwang joined the Premier League club on loan in the summer of 2021, joining the club permanently the following July on a four-year deal that tied him until the club until 2026.

Thursday’s deal extends that to 2028 with an option for a further 12 months. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the new deal likely also comes with significantly improved terms.

Hwang is the top scorer for Wolves this season with nine goals, eight of those in the Premier League to tie for sixth on the overall league top scorer table. Earlier this season he became the first Wolves player in 50 years to score six goals in the first 10 games of a top flight season.

“I’m really happy to stay here and I just want to say thank you to my teammates, our staff, my family and the fans," Hwang said in a statement. "I’m really happy to stay at Wolves. I’m enjoying playing here and enjoying everything, life and football. I have very good teammates and players, and everything here is amazing. I just want to keep playing well and I’m ready to give everything.

“Nine goals makes me, of course, happy. But I really want to say to my teammates, coaching staff and family, thank you. I couldn’t do it alone, goals and assists. I learn a lot from my coaching staff, that’s why my goals are for the team. I will try my best and try to help my team."

Hwang Hee-chan's shirt hangs in the Wolverhampton Wanderers locker room at the Molineux in Wolverhampton on Thursday. [JIM BULLEY]

Wolves Sporting Director Matt Hobbs highlighted Hwang's relationship with the club and the fans in a statement detailing why his contract was extended with years still left on the original deal.

“Since Hee Chan arrived, it’s not always been pain sailing, but he’s always given everything for the club,” Hobbs said. “Now, the fans are really appreciating what he’s doing on the pitch, he’s scoring goals and is an important part of Gary’s team. It’s fully deserved for what he’s doing on and off the pitch.

“Form always dominates these sorts of decisions, but Hee Chan’s bought into the club, he loves the area, and you can see the love he has for the fans. This fits really nicely and gives us some longevity with him on a longer contact, being such an important player for us.

“It shows good players can see what’s going on at Compton and what we’re trying to build. We’re resetting the club and moving forward again, and they want to be part of that project. For important players, praising the manager and coaching staff in the media can be easy, but this shows real commitment and belief.”

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]