The transfer window is now open and City will look to try and add some finishing touches
Sergej Jakirovic admits the January window poses plenty of challenges for Hull City, with the club still working under transfer restrictions imposed on them by the EFL.
City will not be allowed to pay transfer or loan fees this month and will therefore rely on the craft and ingenuity they showed in the summer months to put together a squad that Jakirovic has been able to turn into promotion contenders, whilst keeping within the strict financial fair play rules (FFP).
The Tigers, who were 1-0 winners at Middlesbrough on Monday night, kick off the New Year at home to Stoke City on Thursday afternoon, knowing victory could see them end the day in second place.
Key to sustaining their promotion push into the second half of the season will be keeping key players fit but also doing what they can in the transfer market, despite being at a significant disadvantage compared to their rivals.
Sporting director Jared Dublin has been working in recent months, along with head of recruitment Martin Hodge and owner Acun Ilicali, to put together a list of possible targets, which was presented to Jakirovic just before Christmas, and he says, given the lofty league position, there’s no shortage of interest in joining the club.
“Our transfer window is very important, which in our circumstances is very difficult. We will try to bring in players who will maybe improve this team,” the City boss told Hull Live.
“When you watch the screen, everything is perfect,” he said of Dublin’s presentation. “We have a lot of options, but I think if we can bring someone in, then someone must leave.
“It’s like this summer, it’s the same situation. We will see, but there are a lot of options also, and I think that we will have more options now in January.”
The Tigers will again be dealing with a one-in and one-out policy, with the Croatian keen to only sign players that can add to the existing squad and complement the balance and close-knit spirit.
“I think there is no sense if we will bring similar players to what we have now, so we need to bring in better players to try to improve this group,” he added.
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