The Tigers look to have captured one of their primary summer targets
Hull City have struck a deal to sign Oliver McBurnie after finally agreeing terms with the striker, beating off competition from Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United, Hull Live can reveal.
The Tigers have been pushing to sign the former Sheffield United star since it became clear he was leaving relegated La Liga side Las Palmas. It looked like their hopes to bring in the Scotland international had been scuppered after the EFL made it clear the deal would not be signed off under the terms of their current fee restriction.
City, and owner Acun Ilicali, have continued to push for the 29-year-old’s signature and have found a way to get the deal over the line, with McBurnie expected to undergo a medical tomorrow before being given the number nine shirt.
Provided there are no last-minute dramas, he will sign a three-year deal with the option of a fourth and is likely to be on the bench for the season opener at Coventry City.
McBurnie gave the green light to join the Tigers back in May pending his exit from Las Palmas. He made it clear he wanted to sign for the MKM Stadium club following conversations with new boss Sergej Jakirovic and sporting director Jared Dublin.
The deal was initially held up by the transfer restrictions placed on them by the EFL, while McBurnie had other interest from Sheffield United, Ipswich Town and Swansea City, as well as Las Palmas, who wanted him back in Spain to lead their promotion bid.
City gave the forward the weekend to decide whether or not he wanted to join the Tigers, but after more discussions with the club in the past 24 hours, he has agreed to link up with former Blades teammates John Egan and John Lundstram.
It’s understood the Blades, managed by former Tigers boss Ruben Selles, offered a sizeable financial package to try and tempt their ex-striker back to Bramall Lane. However, the prospect of a fresh challenge, regular football, and the club’s desire to sign him swung things in City’s favour.
McBurnie’s imminent arrival is viewed as a major boost to the Tigers, given the restrictions they’re working under, particularly going into a week where their season kicks off at the CBS Arena on Saturday, and the outcome of their appeal against the transfer fee ban is heard.
The fiery forward has extensive experience in the Championship with 125 games under his belt for the Swans and Blades. He’s netted 44 times in the second tier, and 13 times in 96 Premier League ties.
His most prolific season came in South Wales when he netted 22 times in the 2018/19 campaign, and Jakirovic will be hoping he can find that form again in East Yorkshire, having been charged with spearheading their attack this term.
City remain keen to add further to their attacking ranks before the window closes on September 1, having already added Enis Destan following the departure of Mason Burstow for Bolton Wanderers. Westerlo forward Matija Frigan remains a firm target, though that deal hinges on their transfer fee ban being lifted, but there are other targets.
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