Hull City are hopeful of being in a position to confirm their first new signing in the next 10 days as work continues behind the scenes ahead of the Premier League’s big kick-off on August 22 against Manchester United.
The Tigers are working on a number of different deals, both domestically and abroad, as Acun Ilicali looks to provide Sergej Jakirovic with a squad capable of competing in the top flight following their sensational promotion last month.
Sources involved in City’s transfer business have told Hull Live that they are ‘confident’ and ‘excited’ about the players they’re in discussions with, which include a new goalkeeper, midfielder and forward.
City‘s emphasis will be on signing young, hungry players with the capability of having an impact this season, but also ones that will see their value increase in the coming seasons.
As many as 12 players are expected to arrive between now and when the window closes at the beginning of September, and it’s hoped the first of those new arrivals will be revealed in the next couple of weeks and in advance of the club’s return to pre-season training and camp in Slovenia later in July.
Understandably, one of the key questions on fans’ lips surrounds the need to move players out before June 30 to ensure the club does not fall foul of Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. Around £6m needs to be raised, as first reported by Hull Live, and work continues.
City have received interest in Ryan Giles, Kyle Joseph and Ivor Pandur, as well as Abu Kamara, David Akintola and Abdus Omur, with bosses working hard on securing deals in the coming days.
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Giles is unlikely to be moving on, despite interest from Championship club Norwich City, with the defender keen to remain at the MKM Stadium and fight for his place in the Premier League squad. Joseph is wanted by Championship clubs, but Millwall’s interest last week is thought at this stage to be wide of the mark.
The Tigers’ financial position has been well documented in recent months, with owner Ilicali highlighting in December that the club would need to sell this summer.
Despite promotion to the Premier League being worth in the region of £200m to the club, they must generate revenue before June 30 to ensure they are on the right side of the current accounting period. Contrary to some national media reports, however, players’ bonuses following promotion have not affected the club’s FFP position.
A drop in revenue from matchday ticket revenue, merchandise sales and the loss of key sponsors like McVities have all played a part, sources have indicated.
It’s hoped that promotion to the Premier League will see commercial revenue significantly boosted. The club are in discussions with a number of different high-profile companies, over front of shirt and sleeve deals, amongst others. City are seeking three to five-year partnerships, and will take time in deciding which way to go to ensure they can make the most of their newfound success.
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