Hwang Ui-Jo is ‘likely to leave’ relegated Bordeaux amid interest from Premier League outfit West Ham United, the French club’s head coach David Guion tells Girondins 4 Ever.
Guion’s admission will come as no real surprise to anyone au fait with Bordeaux’s current predicament.
Relegated to the second tier and with more financial problems than a branch of Seaworld ran by Peter Ridsdale, Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Valenciennes at the Matmut Atlantique feels highly likely to be Hwang’s final appearance in Bordeaux blue.
“Yes, he is a boy who is likely to leave, you know that,” admits Guion, the impending departure of Bordeaux’s star striker just the tip of iceberg as far as the club’s problems are concerned.
“Indeed, he is likely to leave us in the coming days.”
West Ham United want Hwang Ui-Jo
The South Korea international, alongside fellow forward Alberth Elis, was a bright spark in a dark season for Bordeaux in 2021/22. Hwang has scored 23 goals in the last two seasons, catching the eye of many a scout along the way.
“I am waiting. Nothing is decided yet,” Hwang told G4E when asked about his future in July.
“There will be more details to give you depending on the financial situation of the team; Of Bordeaux. It is true that offers have arrived from FC Nantes and West Ham United as well.”
West Ham, of course, splashed out £30 million on Gianluca Scamacca recently. But David Moyes is believed to be in the market for another centre-forward; One who would provide competition in attack, while also arriving for a cut-price fee.
Hwang, reportedly available for around £7 million, ticks both boxes.
Nantes president Waldemir Kita, meanwhile, admits that Hwang is indeed a target for the 2022 Coupe de Frances winners, with head coach Antoine Koumbouare a big fan of the 29-year-old.
“Hwang? (The transfer is) not done,” the ever-outspoken Kita explains. “It is a desire on Antoine’s part. We know very well all the problems that Bordeaux have.”
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