Hwang Ui-jo signing for Nottingham Forest looks more bizarre by the day. Today, on transfer deadline day, he could exit on a permanent basis without ever kicking a ball in the Garibaldi.
The player could head to the MLS before the deadline later today. Chicago Fire have come forward with an offer, although it’s not clear whether it’s a loan or a permanent deal.
Fabrizio Romano is the one who has claimed that talks are ongoing. As a result, given that discussions are taking place, perhaps the MLS outfit and other interested parties want him permanently.
Hwang hasn’t enjoyed a particularly good campaign during 2022/23. His time on loan with Olympiacos was drab and he made just 12 appearances for the Greek champions without scoring.
The South Korean international was in the squad for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. He was called ‘awful’ by Danny Murphy after missing a sitter during his country’s opening game against Uruguay.
Hwang was signed by Forest from Bordeaux in the summer. Given his age and his lack of experience in Europe, it seemed like an incredibly bizarre signing made by the Reds.
The fact that he could leave the Reds before tonight’s deadline is telling. It reiterates the point in case Forest have no clear plan for Hwang and it looks unlikely he will play for the club.
Hwang could exit Forest
This would make sense for all parties and a deal would be ideal. The Reds have no place in their squad for Hwang and he showed very little during his most recent loan spell with Olympiacos.
Forest are better off simply cutting their losses with Hwang. He’s not exactly a youngster and it’s hard to imagine the player ever making an impact at the City Ground.
Hwang has several options ahead of today’s deadline. MLS clubs are interested, whilst he might actually get the option to return to South Korea and continue his club career.
If Forest do decide to let Hwang go permanently, it’d hardly be a bad thing.
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