Wolves fans are feeling a sense of renewed optimism heading into 2025, largely due to the positive changes brought about by Vitor Pereira since his appointment as head coach. After the club parted ways with Gary O’Neil, the transition to Pereira has been promising, with the team securing seven points from his first nine games in charge. This shift has been accompanied by a noticeable improvement in the team’s organisation and a growing sense of unity on the pitch. Pereira’s influence seems to have sparked a resurgence in several players, most notably Hwang Hee-chan, who appears to have rediscovered his form.

Hwang, a key figure in Wolves’ attack, had an uncharacteristically quiet start to the 2024/25 season, failing to replicate the form he showed last term, where he netted 12 goals. This dip in performance was a mystery to many, especially given his strong showing in the previous season. Hwang was even the subject of transfer interest from Marseille during the summer window, but ultimately, the move did not materialise. Wolves were understandably reluctant to part with him, and Hwang’s inability to make an impact early on, compounded by an injury that sidelined him for a few weeks, left fans and pundits scratching their heads.

Tommy Doyle, one of Hwang’s teammates, admitted that it was “crazy” to see the South Korean forward not scoring as frequently as he had in the previous season. Doyle, who has been a positive influence in the Wolves squad this season, was quick to highlight Hwang’s remarkable qualities, acknowledging that he simply needed the confidence to find his rhythm again. Doyle commented: “Channy’s brilliant. Again, I think it’s about getting the best out of him. He has some amazing qualities, but he needs confidence as well.” Doyle also pointed out how Hwang’s drop in form was surprising, especially considering he had scored 12 goals the previous season. This lack of impact early in the 2024/25 season didn’t make sense to Doyle, but now, with two goals in as many games, Hwang is on track to rediscover the form that made him a fan favourite.

The improvement in Hwang’s performances can be attributed to several factors, but one of the key aspects is Pereira’s management style. Under the new manager, Hwang seems to have been given more freedom in the attack, and his confidence appears to be on the up. Doyle believes that with the right work ethic and a bit of patience, Hwang will continue to find the back of the net. Doyle further explained: “There are goals up there, so for him, he knows he’s just got to keep working hard every day, and he’ll get his chances under this manager, which is the most important thing.” Pereira has also expressed his confidence in Hwang, noting that the forward can score goals out of nothing, a quality that will be invaluable for Wolves moving forward.

The competition for places in the Wolves attack has been heating up, with the arrival of Jorgen Strand Larsen adding further depth to the squad. While Hwang may have been affected by the arrival of new faces, including Larsen, the fact that he has been able to regain his place in the starting XI is a testament to his character and abilities. With Matheus Cunha suspended for two matches, Hwang has an opportunity to further solidify his place in the team and prove his worth under Pereira.

Wolves fans will be hoping that Hwang’s recent return to form continues as the season progresses. Given the club’s struggles with injuries in the past, having a fully fit and confident Hwang will be crucial as the second half of the 2024/25 season unfolds. The South Korean forward’s ability to score goals from difficult positions has already been demonstrated, and it’s clear that Pereira values him highly. If Hwang can continue to stay fit and in form, he could be a key player in helping Wolves navigate the challenges of the upcoming months.

However, the speculation surrounding Hwang’s future remains a concern. It has been suggested that several clubs are monitoring his situation, and with January approaching, Wolves will be eager to retain his services. Losing Hwang in the winter transfer window would be a significant blow to Wolves, especially considering their thin attacking options. Pereira’s recent comments about Hwang’s ability to score goals out of nothing highlight how valuable he is to the team, and Wolves will be hoping that they can hold onto him for the remainder of the season.

In conclusion, Hwang Hee-chan’s resurgence under Vitor Pereira is one of the bright spots in what has been a challenging season for Wolves. The forward’s return to form, coupled with the positive influence of Pereira, has given fans a reason to be optimistic about the team’s prospects in 2025. Doyle’s faith in Hwang’s abilities, combined with Pereira’s belief in his qualities, suggests that the South Korean international could play a crucial role in Wolves’ attack as the season progresses. As January approaches, Wolves will be keen to keep hold of Hwang and ensure that his resurgence continues to benefit the team in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.