The winger’s run and cross fashioned the moment for Oli McBurnie to slot home the winning goal at Wembley
Yu Hirakawa looking for his family and friends at Wembey Stadium(Image: Freddie Yeo/MB Media/Getty Images)
Yu Hirakawa has left the door open for a possible return to Hull City this summer, after playing a starring role in the Tigers’ sensational promotion win at Wembley.
The Japan international came off the bench to cross for Oli McBurnie to score a dramatic 95th-minute winner on Saturday to beat Middlesbrough, and return City to the Premier League a decade on from their last win under the arch.
Hirakawa is on loan at City from Bristol City, after arriving in January on loan from the Ashton Gate club, but now that the Tigers will be plying their trade in the Premier League, it remains to be seen if they’ll pursue a permanent deal for the winger.
The 25-year-old initially arrived at Ashton Gate on loan from Machida Zelvia in the J League, before penning a permanent deal in 2025, and is under contract until 2028.
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He was loaned out by Gerhard Struber to the Tigers in January, but the Austrian has since left. Hirakawa is open to the prospect of remaining in East Yorkshire and is understandably keen to play top-flight football.
It’s understood Bristol City would not look to stand in Hirakawa’s way if a deal with the Tigers could be agreed upon over the course of the summer.
In his first interview since arriving at City, Hirakawa told Hull Live: “Yes, I think that I agree with your opinion,” he said when asked if the win at Wembley made him want to stay permanently.
“I wanted to assist more and score more goals, but I was injured, so I couldn’t achieve it. In the final, I was able to make an assist for Oli McBurnie and contribute to this team. I’m so happy.”
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