Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic has challenged his returning loan players to grasp the opportunity pre-season will present them over the next few weeks.
Abu Kamara, Abdus Omur, Enis Destan and Mason Burstow are all back at the club after ending the season out on loan with varying degrees of success, and will be given the chance to impress.
While there are no guarantees that they will still be at the club come the end of the transfer window in early September, the chance to be part of a Premier League squad will give them an added incentive to catch Jakirovic’s eye, especially with the squad yet to get an influx of new arrivals.
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Omur’s time at City has been desperately underwhelming, as have his loan spells back in the Turkish Super Lig. Last term, he played 28 times and managed just three assists as Antalyaspor were relegated.
Destan was moved to Westerlo in Belgium in January, but played just three times because of injury, and Kamara’s season in Spain with Getafe saw him struggle with injury, too.
“This is also a great opportunity for them,” the City boss told Hull Live. “They are our players under contract, so now it’s pre-season, you can show your potential, your talent, and I hope they will use this moment to maybe stay with us.”
Ex-Chelsea youngster Burstow scored 12 goals in 53 appearances for the Trotters last season, helping end their League One exile and return them to the Championship, but is another hoping to force his way into Jakirovic’s thinking.
“Yes, (Burstow had a good season) I watched some games, and he improved in some parts of the game, and also he scored, which is also better for a striker’s self-confidence, it’s growing.
“Up until the first injury, he (Burstow) had a very good rhythm, so we will see. He’s here with us. Destan is here as well, Omur is here, and Abu Kamara. They will be with us.”
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