Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan has acknowledged that he could have joined Marseille during the summer transfer window.
The South Korea international has just started his fourth season at Molineux, already contributing 22 goals and seven assists from his 98 appearances in all competitions.
However, the 2023-24 campaign was his standout year where he chipped in with 12 strikes and three assists from 29 outings in the Premier League.
That return helped solidify his status as a key man under Gary O'Neil, but his time at Wolves could have come to an end during the off-season.
Marseille were heavily linked with a move for the 28-year-old with Roberto De Zerbi looking to make his mark at the French giants.
Instead, Wolves made the decision to reject at least one bid of in excess of £21m for the versatile attacker, taking the stance that they did not need to cash in on his services.
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'He was ringing every day'
As quoted by the Express & Star, Hwang has talked up the influence that O'Neil had on his decision not to push for an exit.
Furthermore, the former RB Leipzig man has revealed that De Zerbi was in constant communication with him in an effort to tempt him into a switch to Ligue 1.
Hwang said: "I had a big decision to make this summer. 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 teammates."
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Was the right decision reached?
Based on his form during the first half of 2023-24, Wolves were keeping a player who was undeniably in the top three of their most effective players.
However, at a time when they supposedly had a restricted transfer budget, club officials were turning down the chance to make a substantial profit on a player who turns 29 in January.
Despite Pedro Neto's move to Chelsea, Wolves are well-stocked for options on the flank, with Carlos Forbs joining Rodrigo Gomes, Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia and Goncalo Guedes as players who can feature out wide.
Hwang has also struggled to hit the ground running this campaign, contributing nothing of note in his first four outings of the season.
Darren Plant
