An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their interest in bolstering their squad heading into the summer transfer window…
What’s the latest on Hwang In-Beom to Rangers?
Greek journalist Georgios Sideridis, of Yellow Radio FM, has revealed that the Light Blues went to scout Panathinaikos’ clash with Olympiacos in the Athens derby and watched several players.
South Korea international midfielder In-Beom Hwang is said to be one of the players who sporting director Ross Wilson had his scouts watching in the match.
The 26-year-old only joined Olympiacos last summer, from Rubin Kazan on a free transfer, but the Gers are now eyeing up the defensive enforcer ahead of the summer.
However, it remains to be seen how serious the club’s interest in the warrior is and how much the Greek giants would demand for his services in the next window.
Could In-Beom Hwang improve Michael Beale’s team?
Wilson could land the Rangers head coach an upgrade on his current midfield option in Ryan Jack by signing the South Korean star to replace the Scotsman.
The Scotland international is out of contract at the end of the season and Hwang could come in to take his place in Michael Beale’s squad heading into the 2023/24 campaign.
In the Greek top flight this season, the 26-year-old has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.19 across 22 appearances. In that time, the gem has made 3.1 tackles and interceptions and 1.1 key passes per match – assisting four goals.
The South Korea international, who started four times at the 2022 World Cup, has also completed 88% of his attempted passes and won 54% of his duels, which shows that the midfield maestro is efficient in his play in and out of possession.
Jack, 31, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.88 in 17 Premiership outings and managed 1.8 tackles and interceptions and 1.1 key passes per game, whilst winning 50% of his duels.
The Gers veteran ranks 15th in the squad on his average performance rating and this suggests that there is scope to bring in an upgrade when his contract expires in the summer.
Therefore, Hwang, who reporter Henrique Fernandes claims “stamps and coordinates” play in midfield, could come in as an improvement based on their respective statistics this season.
If the Olympiacos talent can adapt to Scottish football and translate his current form over to the Premiership then he could be a significant upgrade on Jack, who is five years older, due to the volume of his defensive work and his average performance level, to go along with their similar creative output.