Hwang Ui-jo appears in Bordeaux's first Ligue 2 game

Bordeaux forward Hwang Ui-jo comes on as a substitute in the 72nd minute of a game against Valenciennes at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France on Saturday. [BORDEAUX]

Hwang Ui-jo came on as a second-half substitute in Bordeaux's first Ligue 2 game of the 2022-23 season, with the recently relegated club forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Valenciennes.

Hwang came on for Bordeaux in the 72nd minute, playing the majority of the second half but without anything really to show for it. Bordeaux did play as the stronger team, with 65 percent of the possession and nine shots, two of which were on target, to Valenciennes' five shots, all off target.

Hwang's appearance as a second half substitute may well have been because he is unlikely to play for the team for much longer and manager David Guion had to focus on building an effective team with the players that he is likely to still have when the summer transfer window closes.

Hwang and Cameroonian midfielder Junior Onana are thought to be at the top of Bordeaux's must-sell list as the cash-strapped French club looks to quickly raise funds to meet restructuring targets.

Bordeaux were relegated to Ligue 2 this season after finishing in the relegation zone in Ligue 1 at the end of last season, and then faced further relegation to the third-tier Championnat National due to financial difficulties. The club successfully appealed that decision, but only because creditors accepted a restructuring plan that included the sale of assets — likely including Hwang.

Despite the uncertain future, Hwang, who was the Bordeaux top scorer last season, received a loud welcome from fans outside the stadium on Saturday. Speaking before the game, Guion said that he was free to use Hwang even though he is aware there is a chance that he could leave the club very quickly.

Hwang has long been a transfer rumor favorite and is often suggested as an easy way for Bordeaux to make some much needed money.

In the summer of 2021, Hwang, who had been Bordeaux's top scorer in the 2020-21 season with 12 goals, 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.

In January, Hwang was again expected to make a move, although a flurry of goals — including a hat trick against Strasbourg on January 23 — effectively closed that 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.

With that sale now practically guaranteed, it is now just a case of the club accepting the right offer. The market is already heating up — U.S. club Minnesota United reportedly put in an offer of 5 million euros ($5 million), but were immediately rejected.

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