City had a busy summer off the pitch in a transfer window fraught with challenges
Hull City held brief discussions over the summer about a potential return to the MKM Stadium for Ozan Tufan, a year after he made a return to the Turkish Super Lig.
In local media interviews, sporting director Jared Dublin confirmed Tufan’s name had cropped up in discussions about potential targets both before, and after, the EFL’s sanctions were imposed on City.
Tufan was a popular figure on the MKM Stadium terraces during his two-year spell in East Yorkshire, scoring 18 goals in 84 games after arriving from Fenerbahce, before heading to Trabzonspor in June last year.
The 30-year-old remains in contact with City owner Acun Ilicali having built up a close personal friendship in recent years, and loose conversations were held when the Tigers were out in Turkey for pre-season training in mid-July.
Those conversations were had again in the closing days of the summer transfer window, but the deal was never close to happening for a number of reasons, including finances, and other options City had in the market.
A move back to City in the distant future couldn’t be ruled out for Tufan, who, it’s understood, remains fond of the Tigers and would be open to a return to England. He played a role in helping convince teammate John Lundstram to move to the MKM Stadium during the summer.
Despite working under restrictions, which means City cannot buy or pay loan fees for players, the Tigers were still able to enjoy a terrific window, with some fans suggesting it was their best for a period of time.
Tufan’s teammates Enis Destan and Lundstram arrived from Trabzonspor on a permanent deal and season-long loan, respectively, while Amir Hadziahmetovic joined on loan for the campaign from Besiktas.
Oli McBurnie, Joel Ndala, Darko Gyabi and Semi Ajayi were amongst the 12 new arrivals brought in to bolster Sergej Jakirovic’s squad for a busy Championship campaign.
You can listen to the full interview with Jared Dublin right here
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