South Korea's World Cup performances have put midfielder Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) on FC Porto's radar. Coach Bento personally recommends him, saying his tactical value can shine at any of Porto's big three clubs.

What fuels Hwang's Porto transfer rumor?

OneFootball reported on the 12th (KST) that Porto has placed Hwang on its shortlist for a central midfield signing. Local outlet 'O Jogo' added that the club has already contacted his agent to assess the situation. While clubs like Mexico's Monterrey show interest, Porto leads the chase.

Bento's appraisal and rising expectations

Former South Korea manager Ulu Bento praised Hwang, calling him "similar to Moutinho" and noting "his game-reading is superb, and despite a modest build, he attacks fiercely." He highlighted Hwang's ability to thrive in both a 4-2-3-1 as the number 10 and a 4-3-3 as the number 6, emphasizing his tactical insight. Bento added, "He could blend perfectly at Porto, Benfica or Sporting."

World Cup 2026 impact and current team form

South Korea currently sits 3rd in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage with 3 points (1W‑0D‑2L). The latest result, on 2026-06-25, was a 0‑1 loss to South Africa. Recent form over five games reads LLWWW, with the last two matches ending in defeat. Despite the dip, Hwang started all three group games, recording a goal and an assist in the 2‑1 win over Czech Republic.

What lies ahead for Hwang?

Porto appears set to review the possible loan return of Seco Popa before making a formal offer. If the move materializes, Hwang will face a new challenge at a European powerhouse. This signals a positive trend for South Korea, showing its players can succeed abroad after the World Cup. Fans await his adaptation, while Bento's continued backing adds confidence to the prospect.