The Tigers have so far made five new signings this month
Sergej Jakirovic has see Hull City do a lot of good work this month (Image: Lee Keuneke/PA Wire)
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic says he’s once again prepared for anything to happen in the final days of the winter transfer window.
As he was in the summer, the Tigers boss knew he must be ready to deal with any situation that may or may not occur between now and 7pm on Monday night.
Despite working under strict transfer rules for the second window in a row, City have again impressed with the quality of their business to help bolster Jakirovic’s ranks, but the Tigers boss feels it could be five and out.
Yu Hirakawa, Kieran Dowell and Paddy McNair have so far arrived, with Toby Collyer and Lewis Koumas set to be confirmed ahead of Saturday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.
Kasey Palmer and Enis Destan have moved on to allow new arrivals to come in, and a further new signing cannot be ruled out, but that will depend on somebody leaving first and at this stage, it remains unlikely.
“I think nothing will happen in terms of somebody coming to us. I think that’s it, and maybe someone will go, but we will see. You never know. Maybe someone will get a bid from other clubs. I’m expecting everything, so I’m prepared,” the Croatian told Hull Live when asked what he thinks could happen over the next four days. “We now have in every position two players plus the injured players. In some positions, we even have three.”
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City also have a situation where two loanees will have to be left out of the matchday squad, if everybody were fit and available. The arrivals of Hirakawa, Collyer and Koumas add to Joe Gelhardt, Amir Hadziahmetovic, John Lundstram and Joel Ndala. That total now stands at seven, with only five permitted in a squad, something the head coach admits he’s very mindful of, but confirmed none will be leaving in this window.
“We have seven loans as well, so five can be on the team sheet,” he continued. “This is also something that I need to plan for in every game. Who will play better, who will be in better form, and also about tactics, when it comes to choosing players. I have already spoken with some players who are on loan because, in my opinion, loan players must be on the pitch. This is my plan, and we will see for the future.
“No, they are very satisfied here. They will fight and now they have their own competition between the other loan players,” he said when asked if any existing loans would be cancelled.
“For example, we had Lunny (Lundstram) out for three months, Joffo (Gelhardt) for six weeks, so then you can easily pick five, but when we are all together and healthy, then I must choose who is more suitable to fit into the team.”
City are not expected to bring in another forward to replace Destan, who is departing for Westerlo. Jakirovic believes in Oli McBurnie, Kyle Joseph and Joe Gelhardt, along with Lewis Koumas, the Tigers have enough cover if required.
“I think it’s enough because Joffo can play there, Oli is there, and Kyle is there. OK, sometimes we are struggling with some small injuries, but they always like to play. They always try to push us to reach our target,” he added.
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