RB Leipzig have moved to plug the gap left by Timo Werner by signing Hwang Hee-chan from Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg.

Hwang will significantly boost Julian Nagelsmann’s attacking options for next season after signing a five-year-deal with the side that finished third in the 2019/20 Bundesliga.

Leipzig needed fresh talent to offset the loss of star striker Werner, who left for Chelsea after scoring 28 league goals and 34 in all competitions this season.

Hwang also enjoyed a brilliant year for Salzburg, ending the campaign with 11 goals and as many assists in 25 league matches and getting three goals and three assists – as well as winning two penalties – in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

"Hwang Hee-chan fits our profile perfectly," commented Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche. "He can play anywhere in attack, on the wings or through the middle. He gives us even more flexibility, with his pace and movement.

"Hwang Hee-chan had a brilliant season in Austria, impressing as a goalscorer and provider, and in the Champions League."

Hwang had been with Salzburg since January 2015, but is no stranger to German football after spending the 2018/19 season on loan at Hamburg. The 24-year-old netted twice in 20 appearances in Bundesliga 2, having missed much of the second half of that campaign through injury.

He has bounced back in style at Salzburg, though, scoring 16 times and weighing in with 21 assists in 38 matches across all competitions to help Jesse Marsch’s side complete a league and cup double.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of playing for Leipzig and in the Bundesliga," Hwang said. "I'm joining a young club with ambitious goals and a team hungry for success. They're a great fit for me, as is their attacking style of football."

Hwang (r.) played for Hamburg previously, and represented South Korea at the 2018 FIFA World Cup against RB Leipzig teammate Emil Forsberg (l.). - imago

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Before Christmas, Hwang teamed up with current Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland as Salzburg gave Liverpool and Napoli a real scare in the Champions League, before the Austrian side ultimately finished third in their group.

Salzburg dropped down to the UEFA Europa League as a result and – without the departed Haaland – they lost 6-3 on aggregate to Eintracht Frankfurt in the last 32. Hwang scored from the penalty spot in their 4-1 first-leg loss away to the Eagles in February.

"The move to Leipzig is the next important step in my career as a professional footballer," Hwang continued. "I want to help continue the success of the team, and be involved in as many goals as I can."

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