When will Hwang Ui-jo take the field?
Nottingham Forest defeated Sheffield United 2-1 in the second round of the 2023-24 English Premier League (EPL) at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on April 19 at 3:45 a.m. ET. With the win, Nottingham (3 points, 1-1-1) moves into eighth place in the standings.
Hwang’s European career began when he joined French side Ligue 1 Bordeaux. He rose to prominence with back-to-back double-digit scoring campaigns in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. Last season, Hwang fought to keep Bordeaux afloat, but they were unable to prevent relegation. 스포츠토토
After the relegation, Hwang was ready for a new challenge. With Bordeaux in financial trouble, it was important to sell him to raise funds. Nantes, Marseille, Wolverhampton, West Ham United, and other big-name clubs were in the running.
Hwang’s choice was Nottingham. After being promoted to the English Premier League (EPL), the Magpies went on a recruitment spree to compete for promotion, and in the process, Hwang became part of the Nottingham squad. However, it wasn’t until the following season, when he was loaned to Olympiakos, that he made his debut in England.
However, it was not to be. In February, Hwang ended his loan spell with Olympiakos after being constantly shunned and lacking playing time. Instead, he signed a short-term deal with FC Seoul to return to the K League. It was the best option for Hwang, who had played for Bordeaux and Olympiakos before his move in the 2022-23 season, as he was unable to stay in Europe.
Under Ahn Ik-soo, Hwang’s faith in him has paid off. His debut goal came in the sixth round against Daegu FC. He then rattled the net against Suwon in Round 8, Incheon United in Round 17, and Pohang Steelers in Round 18, sending the ‘Suho Shin’ (Seoul Supporters) into a frenzy.
In June, Hwang’s loan contract with Seoul expired. The Super Match against Suwon Samsung was a farewell game for Hwang. “I had a tough time at Olympiacos,” he said. During that time, I grew and thought a lot about how to become a good player. After I came to Seoul, I received a lot of love that I really didn’t deserve. I had great teammates, the manager, the coaches, and the staff loved me so much. It was a time when I could feel and think a lot about how to improve as a Korean player in a team called Seoul,” he reflected on his time in Seoul.
Hwang then returned to Nottingham for a new challenge. Under Steve Cooper, he played against Notts County, Valencia, Leeds United, PSV Eindhoven, and Stade Rennes. He came off the bench, started, and played as a one-two or three, trying to catch Cooper’s eye. He scored a goal against Notts County and continued to get chances, which raised expectations.
He was included in the first-team squad. Ahead of kick-off, Nottingham announced their squad for the 2023-24 season. Hwang has been given the number 35 shirt, which he wore during pre-season.