Hwang Ui-jo likely to see out season in Bordeaux

Bordeaux's Hwang Ui-jo celebrates after scoring a goal during a French Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg in Bordeaux on Sunday. [AFP/YONHAP]

Hwang Ui-jo's hat trick on Sunday has likely ensured that cash-strapped Bordeaux will turn down any offers for the Korean striker this week, seeing his goal-scoring prowess as too important as the club desperately tries to avoid relegation this season.

Hwang found the back of the net three times against Strasbourg on Sunday. All three of the goals were impressive, capitalizing on his speed and accuracy with two shots hammered home from outside the box. The hat trick allowed Bordeaux to take a much-needed 4-3 win on the back of a three-game losing streak that sees the club languishing in 17th place in the 20-team league.

The hat trick also earned Hwang his spot in French football history as Ligue 1's top Asian scorer, surpassing Park Chu-young's 25-goal record with 27 goals scored so far.

Despite Hwang's continued success with the French club — last year he was Bordeaux's top scorer with 12 Ligue 1 goals — he has also proven to be a magnet for transfer rumors. Last summer, Hwang was linked to clubs across Europe, with a last-minute deal with either an unnamed wealthy Russian club or Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon apparently falling through in the dying hours of the transfer window.

Hwang's popularity as a possible transfer is largely a matter of economics. Although a crucial part of the Bordeaux attacking lineup, Hwang has been seen in the past as an easy way for cash-strapped Bordeaux to make a quick buck, with even the official Ligue 1 website listing him as one of the top players to watch during the summer transfer window.

As a result, a Hwang deal was again considered to be on the cards during the current January transfer window, with Bordeaux still as in need of money and Hwang's performance on the field making him an increasingly strong candidate.

French media think that Sunday's performance might have closed that door, however.

Sud Ouest reported Sunday that Bordeaux would reject even an offer as high as 15 million euros ($17 million) for Hwang, with his goal-scoring ability just too important with the club fighting to avoid relegation this season.

In Ligue 1, the bottom two teams are relegated and the third-to-last team has to face the third-place team from Ligue 2 in the playoffs. Bordeaux are currently only one point above that third-to-last spot.

Although Hwang is expected to stay at Bordeaux for the rest of this season, he could well be on the move in the summer. With his contract set to expire next year, the French club may decide the time has come to cash in while they still can.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]