Pogoń Szczecin have confirmed Okan Özkan’s departure, with him set to replace Jared Dublin as Hull City’s new sporting director in the coming days.
Özkan has been with the Polish club in recent months since leaving Fenerbahce last year, working alongside former City vice-chairman Tan Kesler.
The former Fenerbahce assistant sporting chief is now expected to take over from Dublin, who left the MKM Stadium on Monday after two years at the club.
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“Pogoń Szczecin SA informs that Okan Özkan, who has served in our club as the director of the scouting and recruitment department, has accepted an offer to take on the role of sporting director at Hull City AFC, a team competing in the English Premier League,” the Polish outfit said in a statement.
“Okan’s assumption of this role is a major distinction. He will become the first sporting director to move directly to the Premier League from a Polish club. This is not only an important step in his career but also confirmation of the high competence, professionalism, and quality of the individuals shaping the structures of Pogoń Szczecin. “During his time working in our club, Okan played a key role in building the scouting and recruitment department and co-creating the sporting strategy. His dedication significantly contributed to establishing solid organisational foundations and implementing the long-term vision for the sporting development of Pogoń Szczecin. “The Board of Pogoń Szczecin SA thanks Okan for his work, commitment, and contribution to the development of our club. We wish him success and many achievements in this new chapter of his career at Hull City.”
City will be relieved they’ve moved quickly to replace the American, with the Tigers less than a week away from the start of pre-season training as they prepare for their Premier League campaign.
So far, only Jack Butland has arrived, but the Tigers are hopeful of clinching a host of new arrivals in the near future to bolster Sergej Jakirovic’s squad.
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