Hull City’s players are nearing the return to pre-season training with the season edging ever closer, and this week, the EFL fixtures will be released.
That’s always a moment supporters look forward to, but in the meantime, transfers continue to dominate the topic of conversation at both City and beyond.
The Tigers have already added a flurry of new faces to their ranks since the arrival of Sergej Jakirovic, and that’s expected to continue as the summer progresses and the new campaign comes into greater focus.
While June is often the quietest month in the football calendar, things continue to happen both at the MKM Stadium and elsewhere as we highlight in the latest news round-up…
Sergej’s welcome
Fans have heard their first words from new boss Sergej Jakirovic ahead of the start of pre-season training in the next week. The Bosnian is expected to meet the media alongside owner Acun Ilicali early next week as he sets out his brief for his tenure for the first time.
In the meantime, City’s new boss had this to say via a video message to whet their appetite: “Hello, Hull City fans, it’s Sergej here. I’m delighted to be your new head coach. Pre-season is just around the corner, and I’m looking forward to getting started and working hard ahead of the new season. We need your support, so make sure you support the team, and we will do our best to give you something to cheer. See you soon, up the Tigers.”
Sinik interest
It’s been a disastrous three years in England for Dogukan Sinik, but it looks like he will be able to focus on the next chapter of his career after leaving the club.
Injury-prone Sinik made just 13 appearances for City after arriving in July 2022 for around £4m from Antalyaspor, and it looks like he will be returning to the club this summer.
A two-year deal is on the table for the 26-year-old winger and a chance to add to the 135 career outings he’s made for the Turkish Super Lig outfit.
Semi’s hello
Semi Ayjayi became City’s third signing since the arrival of Sergej Jakirovic when he penned a two-year contract with the option of a third.
The Nigerian international defender joined the club after leaving West Brom and has since spoken publicly about his move, saying how pleased he is to join such an historic club and the second in Yorkshire after turning out for Rotherham United prior to his move to the Baggies.
“Proud to join Hull City, grateful for the opportunity to represent this historic club. Can’t wait to give everything for the badge and the fans. Let’s make memories.”
João’s goodbye
Forward Joao Pedro’s exit from Hull City was confirmed at the back end of last week, with the one-cap Italian international free to move elsewhere.
City had activated the one-year option in his deal after the season ended, but there was always an expectation he would leave this summer, and so it’s proved.
Pedro’s imminent move to Mexican side Atlético de San Luis has not yet been confirmed, but he has posted his own goodbye message to Tigers fans after finishing the campaign as the club’s golden boot winner with six goals.
“It has been a pleasure to be part of the Hull City family. Thank you all,” he wrote on social media with a couple of black and amber heart emojis.
Lincoln on the move
Attacking midfielder Lincoln finished the campaign on loan at City from Fenerbahce. While his overall impact was limited, he will be fondly remembered for the free-kick he landed on the forehead of Charlie Hughes at Hillsborough.
That pinpoint ball was perfect for Hughes to power his header into the top corner of the Sheffield Wednesday net and give Tigers fans one of their best memories of the season.
Now, it looks like the Brazilian will remain in Turkey with a move to Antalyaspor being widely reported, where he would link up with former City man Dogukan Sinik.
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