City are expecting a largely quiet January transfer window
The transfer window is now well and truly open, and for Hull City, the next three weeks present all kinds of problems given their current situation.
The Tigers remain firmly under the EFL’s restrictions, meaning they cannot pay transfer or loan fees for players and must rely on wheeling and dealing, operating on a one-in and one-out policy at the time being.
That worked well in the summer and has played a pivotal role in City under Sergej Jakirovic being firmly in the race for promotion to the Premier League.
Their biggest Achilles heel has been injuries, and that remains a major concern. Jakirovic has not been able to name his strongest side at any point this season, and with Mo Belloumi sidelined for the next couple of months at least, that’s unlikely to be possible any time soon.
Here’s a look at what the Tigers must look to try and do….
Fix the engine room
City want to bring in more midfield cover this month, and it’s an area they really need help. Jakirovic has not been happy with the midfield all season, and it’s an area that’s seen more changes than anywhere else. John Lundstram’s move hasn’t worked out yet, given he’s missed 16 games with injury.
Darko Gyabi and Amir Hadziahmetovic have impressed in spells, but haven’t been able to make the position their own. Regan Slater has become the ever-present in the middle of the park, while Matt Crooks has also dropped in.
City need more legs and dynamism in the central areas of the pitch, to wrestle control of games more consistently. The Tigers have a couple of key options in that part of the pitch, and will look to tie up a deal later in the window.
Defensively speaking
There are no plans to sell Charlie Hughes, and as it stands, there have been no fresh bids for the star defender. Semi Ajayi will return from AFCON later this month and be a key figure. That leaves John Egan out of the team, and though he’s just signed an extension to his contract, will he be content with that? That remains to be seen. If there are to be any defensive departures, City have a plan in place to replace.
Further up the pitch
Kieran Dowell remains a top target, and that looks like a deal that will, at some point, get done. The Rangers playmaker isn’t in the plans of Danny Rohl. He had been injured and though has returned to the bench in recent games, the expectation is that he will be allowed to move on this month.
Bringing in Dowell, or a similar type of player, will raise questions about Kasey Palmer. Back from an injury of his own, the Jamaican international has shown glimpses in recent games, but was attracting plenty of interest in the summer.
In between the posts
Seny Dieng is closing in on his move to the MKM Stadium, with City keen to give greater competition to Ivor Pandur. There are no plans to sell the Croatian, however, as the window progresses, the Tigers want to ensure they have cover should circumstances change.
The one big sticking point
City may well be allowed to bring in Seny Dieng, but elsewhere, the EFL have made it clear under the agreed business plan, the Tigers must move players out to bring more in. Brandon Williams and David Akintola remain the two most likely to go at this stage, while doubt remains around Cody Drameh. As referenced above, there may be one or two other exits to free up space.
There won’t be wholesale changes and nor does there need to be. There will be only minor tweaks to the squad, and with players like Joe Gelhardt and Eliot Matazo coming back from injury, there is no need for significant changes.
To sum it up
City don’t need a huge amount, nor can they do a huge amount. A goalkeeper, midfielder and another attack-minded player is all they really need. The players that arrive just need to add a little bit, contribute a couple of goals and assists here and there. In midfield, add a little more control going both ways and that will add to what is already a well-drilled, organised outfit. Given their situation, it will be a challenge, but City have proven they can do some good business with their backs firmly pressed against the wall, and they can do it again.
Where do you think City must add this month? Have your say in the comments below….
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