The latest Hull City news and opinion from HullLive as the Tigers keep an eye on squad housekeeping
Hull City experienced an eventful summer transfer window, as the Tigers tried to pick their way through restrictions to give Sergej Jakirovic the tools he needs.
The arrival of Darko Gyabi from Leeds, joining loanee Joe Gelhardt, was the final act of a turbulent window that saw 12 players join, while deals for Reda Laalaoui and Gustavo Puerta fell through because of the club’s ban on paying transfer fees.
Set against that – and in the background – the Tigers will already be planning for January and even next summer when several players are out of contract.
Many have options and could be left until the summer – but there are some in whom City might see some residual transfer value.
HullLive looks at the decisions to be made, bearing in mind overseas clubs can start talks with impending free agents in less than four months.
The loan players
Amir Hadziahmetovic has come from Beşiktaş, his contract in Turkey runs until 2027.
Similarly Gelhardt’s Leeds deal has another season to run beyond this one. What the Elland Road outfit do with the 23-year-old could depend on what division they are in.
Joel Ndala has come from Man City and will surely go back to see where he stands at the Etihad, while John Lundstram has come for 2025/26 but still has another year at Trabzonspor.
The options
Regan SlaterThe 26-year-old came on loan in 2022 and signed permanently a couple of seasons later. He extended his contract in 2023 – and while he is technically ‘up’ at the end of the season, the club do have an option to retain him.
He’s been involved in all five league games so far this season, with three starts, taking his total to 189 Tigers appearances.
He was praised by Jakirovic for coming off the bench to make an impact against Swansea and it would be a surprise to see City decline the option.
Lewie Coyle
Joined from Fleetwood in 2020, extended his contract three years later and another on whom the club have an option.
Recovered from a hamstring injury to make his first start of the season against Swansea, wore the armband and put in a solid display.
The manager has already praised him as ‘a captain’ and ‘very important as a leader’. Decision seemingly made.
John EganSigned an eighteen-month contract with an option from Burnley in February – and scored his first Tigers goal against the Swans.
At 32-years-old, age might not be on his side – but the fact he’s started the last four, captained the side once in Coyle’s absence and done well certainly is.
Brandon WilliamsThe former Manchester United defender signed in the summer and will hope he can make the most of the opportunity handed to him.
He has made one appearance so far – off the bench against Blackburn – but missed the trip to Swansea with a concussion picked up in training.
Ryan Giles is once again the first choice left back so he’ll have to make the most of the game-time he is given.
The rest
Harry Vaughan
It hasn’t really happened for Vaughan since he joined from Oldham in 2023, although Ruben Selles threw him a lifeline last season after his return from a loan spell with Bristol Rovers.
In the end, he managed only three appearances and was an unused sub on five other occasions. So far this season, he has been on the bench once but suffered a shoulder dislocation on international duty.
James FurlongThe left back joined City in 2023 but has made just one appearance.
He spent last season on loan with AFC Wimbledon but had his campaign cut short by a quad injury.
With Giles back in the team, it’s difficult to see Furlong get the time he needs, particularly as a fresh injury saw him left out of the EFL squad.
Which options should City take up? Have your say here
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