Hwang In-beom inches closer to FC Porto move
South Korea sit third in the World Cup standings with 3 points (1 win, 2 losses) and trail leaders Mexico by six points. Midfielder Hwang In-beom is on the verge of joining FC Porto, according to Portuguese outlet Abola on July 14. Born on September 20, 1996 in Daejeon, Hwang earned 77 caps for the national team and won Asian Games gold in 2018, which granted him military service exemption. After logging 54 games, 4 goals and 6 assists at Feyenoord since January, he is now set to take on a new challenge in Portugal.
The player profile: a globetrotter’s journey
Hwang began his career in Daejeon, then moved through Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS), Rubin Kazan (Russia), Olympiacos (Greece), a loan stint at FC Seoul, and Red Star Belgrade (Serbia). Abola notes he “shone at Red Star in 2023–24 before delivering 5 assists in his first 7 games of 2024–25,” which sealed his move to Feyenoord for a fee of €7–8 million.
His versatility is his calling card. Abola describes him as a “multi-role midfielder who can play as the attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 or slot into either defensive midfield position.” While not physically imposing, his “relentless work rate in duels and commitment to tasks” stand out. Under Paulo Bento, he earned the nickname ‘Bento’s Prince’-a label the former boss called an “inside joke” among the squad.
Why Porto wants him: Paroli’s master plan
Francesco Paroli, Porto’s manager, has long scouted Hwang. Abola reports that “Paroli faced him during his Ajax days when Hwang played for Feyenoord,” adding that “his profile differs sharply from Albert Proletti’s and even from Sekou Papa’s, who filled the same backup role last season.” Yet like Papa, Hwang offers “immediate impact.” At 29, he is in his prime, and Paroli is eager to add his intelligence and tempo control to Porto’s midfield.
Abola cites Paroli comparing Hwang to club legend João Moutinho: “He brings a more intelligent style that can regulate the game’s rhythm and inject fresh energy into Porto’s midfield.” His reported pre-tax salary at Porto is €3 million (about 5.1 billion KRW), with an estimated after-tax pay of €1.5 million (about 2.55 billion KRW).
The impact on South Korea: World Cup boost
Hwang’s move opens the door to a fresh chapter in Europe. Abola highlights his role in South Korea’s only World Cup win so far-a 1-0 victory over Czechia. With a current record of 3 points from 3 games, South Korea sit third in their group after a 0-1 loss to South Africa on June 25. Over the last five matches, they have gone LLWWW (3 wins, 2 losses). His arrival could add depth and tactical flexibility to the midfield ahead of the tournament’s next phase.
