Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vítor Pereira has openly admitted that forward Hwang Hee-chan may be better off leaving the club this summer, unless he is willing to fight for his place in a system that no longer guarantees him a starting role.

Speaking to the Express & Star, Pereira delivered a blunt assessment of Hwang's situation as Wolves undergo a sweeping overhaul in both squad and structure. The club recently parted ways with sporting director Matt Hobbs, with former Al Shabab colleague Domenico Teti expected to join as technical director—giving Pereira even more authority over player decisions.

As part of a broader restructuring strategy, Wolves are clearing out players who don’t fit into Pereira’s long-term plans. After recent high-profile exits such as Matheus Cunha to Manchester United and Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City, Pereira has now turned his attention to Hwang, whose form dipped sharply in the 2024/25 campaign.

“He likes to feel important, he likes the group, but he wants to play. He wants to be in the first XI,” Pereira told Express & Star. “I cannot promise him that. I can only promise to help him compete. If he feels it’s better to go to another club, that’s another scenario.”

Pereira’s words are clear: no player is guaranteed a place, and those not prepared to compete should consider alternatives.

“With Hwang and others, I need to have the same conversation,” Pereira added. “You have to earn your position. I don’t give gifts.”

A Steep Decline from Last Season

After a standout 2023/24 campaign—where he scored 13 goals and provided 3 assists in 31 league appearances—Hwang managed just 2 goals and 1 assist in the following season, appearing only 25 times and logging fewer than 900 minutes. The arrival of Pereira mid-season, following Gary O’Neil’s departure, saw the South Korean international’s role significantly reduced.

Hwang, reportedly disheartened by the season’s outcome, now finds himself at a crossroads. Pereira, who previously banished Craig Dawson from first-team training, has demonstrated he is not afraid to make bold decisions when reshaping his squad.

No Tactical Fit Under Pereira?

While Hwang’s pace and directness remain assets, his skill set doesn’t naturally align with Pereira’s tactical blueprint. With Jørgen Strand Larsen favored as the lone striker, and Hwang lacking the playmaking qualities to operate as a No. 10, there’s limited room for him in the current system. His best contributions have come when playing as an inside forward or counter-attacking threat—roles that don’t feature prominently in Pereira’s setup.

Unless the Wolves boss alters his formation to accommodate two inside forwards, Hwang’s opportunities will be scarce.

The Bigger Picture: Wolves’ Summer Rebuild

Pereira's public message to Hwang comes amid a broader reshuffle. Several first-team regulars have already left the club, and more departures are expected. The arrival of Teti may also pave the way for super-agent Jorge Mendes to return to influence recruitment—bringing in emerging talent, but only once out-of-favor players are moved on.

Though Hwang remains under contract, the writing may be on the wall. Wolves appear willing to let him go—if the right offer comes in and if the player desires regular playing time elsewhere.

Hwang Hee-chan now faces a choice: fight for an uncertain future at Molineux or seek consistent minutes in a new environment. One thing is certain—under Pereira, there will be no free passes.