City still hope to add to their squad before the window closes next Monday night
Former promotion winner Jobi McAnuff believes Hull City‘s transfer restrictions may prove to be a blessing in disguise this season, as the Tigers look to enjoy a better campaign.
The Tigers were slapped with a three-window fee restriction at the beginning of July, which banned them from buying players or paying loan fees until January 2027.
After an appeal, that was reduced to two with the third window suspended pending any further indiscretions over the next 12 months, but despite the severe sanctions placed on them, City have still enjoyed a strong transfer window.
City have brought in experienced Championship campaigners Semi Ajayi, John Lundstram and Oli McBurnie, and the trio had contributed to an unbeaten start to the league season, prior to Saturday’s 3-0 home loss to Blackburn Rovers.
McAnuff, believes that the Tigers have been able to strengthen well this summer, picking out McBurnie, Lundstram and Ajayi for special mention.
Unfortunately, though, Ajayi’s hamstring issues that plagued his final campaign at West Brom last term have returned, and in the three games he’s missed since the goalless draw at Coventry City on opening day, the Tigers have shipped eight goals
“Well, I think first of all, I mean, they were a club that I’ve got to be honest, I was a little bit concerned about with a new manager coming in,” McAnuff told Sky Sports. “We’ve seen a couple of those appointments not quite pan out, to say the least, but I think when you look at that list there (City’s new signings), the likes of John Lundstram on loan, of course, Oli McBurnie’s had a brilliant start to life there.
“Maybe the restrictions around how much they can actually spend, obviously, frees and loans, and restrictions on wages, it might actually help them in a strange kind of way.
“I think prior to this, the recruitment’s been a little bit scattergun, but again, for me, some really good players at this level. Semi Ajayi, we were talking about, weren’t we, if they can keep him fit, is a bona fide, very, very good defender at this level.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.