Could Vitor Pereira’s Benfica Move Reshape Hwang Hee-chan’s Fate at Wolves?

Vitor Pereira’s Potential Exit: A New Chapter for Wolves?

Did you know? Vitor Pereira, who dramatically saved Wolves from relegation last season, is now at the center of intense speculation linking him to Portuguese giants Benfica. After a remarkable turnaround—10 wins in 22 games and a seven-game winning streak—he became a fan favorite and was even nominated for Premier League Manager of the Season. However, with his contract entering its final year and Wolves losing key players like Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, the club faces a critical juncture. Benfica’s interest, fueled by President Rui Costa’s desire for a new dynamic ahead of club elections, has added fuel to the rumor mill. While Benfica issued a public denial, the uncertainty remains palpable among Wolves fans and within the club’s management.

Transfer Dominoes: Cunha and Ait-Nouri’s Departures Shake the Squad

Wolves’ summer transfer window has been nothing short of dramatic. The club sold Matheus Cunha to Manchester United for €74.2 million and Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City for €36.8 million, netting nearly £95 million in transfer fees. These departures have weakened the squad and left fans anxious about the club’s ambitions. The pressure is now on the owners to reinvest these funds wisely, as Pereira himself has reportedly sought assurances about squad strengthening before making any decision about his future. The sense in the Wolves community is clear: without significant reinforcements, even a manager as transformative as Pereira might be tempted to leave for a Champions League project like Benfica.

Hwang Hee-chan: From Key Attacker to Uncertain Future

For Hwang Hee-chan, the managerial uncertainty could be a blessing in disguise. Once a vital part of Wolves’ attack, Hwang has seen his minutes dwindle under Pereira. He was often benched or brought on late, as in the crucial match against Manchester City where he played only five minutes. Pereira’s public statements have been blunt: 'Competition is essential, and I guarantee no one a starting spot.' Hwang’s lack of playing time and the coach’s tactical preferences—favoring a single striker system—have pushed him to the fringes. After a disappointing season and public criticism from both the manager and fans, Hwang himself admitted he’s considering a move for more playing time.

Fan Sentiment: From Hope to Frustration

Wolves’ fan communities on Naver, Daum, DCInside, FM Korea, and PGR21 reflect a complex mix of emotions. Early in the season, there was hope for Hwang’s resurgence, but repeated errors and missed opportunities led to mounting frustration. Comments like 'We should have sold Hwang when we had the chance' and 'He’s just not delivering anymore' have become common. Negative sentiment now outweighs positive, with many fans supporting a transfer if it means fresh talent can be brought in. Yet, there’s also a sense of empathy—many recognize that the club’s instability and tactical shifts have made it hard for players like Hwang to thrive.

Cultural Insight: The Weight of Expectations and the Asian Football Narrative

For international fans, it’s important to understand the unique pressures faced by Asian players in the Premier League. Hwang Hee-chan’s journey has been closely followed by Korean media and fans, who see him as a symbol of national pride. His struggles at Wolves are not just about individual performance but also reflect broader themes of adaptation, cultural expectations, and the challenges of breaking into Europe’s top leagues. The Korean football community is vocal and passionate, often amplifying both criticism and support. This dynamic adds another layer to Hwang’s situation, making his next move a topic of intense debate both in Korea and abroad.

What’s Next? Wolves’ Summer of Uncertainty

As of June 17, 2025, Wolves are at a crossroads. The club’s management shake-up, including the departure of sporting director Matt Hobbs and the arrival of Domenico Teti, has given Pereira more power over transfers. However, with the squad weakened and the manager’s future in doubt, everything hinges on the club’s ability to rebuild quickly. If Pereira leaves for Benfica, a new manager could offer Hwang Hee-chan a fresh start—or accelerate his exit. The coming weeks will be decisive: Wolves must act boldly in the transfer market and clarify their managerial situation to stabilize the club and give players like Hwang a clear path forward.

Community Voices: Wolves and Korean Fans React

Browsing through recent blogs and forums, Wolves fans express both admiration for Pereira’s achievements and anxiety about the future. On Tistory and Naver blogs, writers analyze the transfer domino effect, with many predicting that the club’s direction will be set by the next managerial appointment. Korean fans, meanwhile, focus on Hwang’s personal journey, debating whether a move to another Premier League club or even a return to Germany would revive his career. The consensus? Change is inevitable, and both club and player must adapt quickly to avoid another season of instability.