It has been a positive start to the summer transfer window at Hull City with three signings already done and dusted to kick off the Sergej Jakirovic regime.
Given the squad that the Bosnian will inherit, coupled with the three new additions, City are in a far stronger place than they were 12 months ago when Tim Walter took over with a skeleton squad that were anything but ready for the new campaign.
Twelve months on, fans will hope lessons have been learned with that final day escape at Portsmouth which saw the Tigers survive on goal difference, having ended the campaign as the Championship’s lowest scorers.
Highly-rated Moroccan midfielder Reda Laalaoui was the first through the door, and has since been followed by goalkeeper Dillon Phillips and experienced Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi.
While it’s been a good start, City are still light in the key areas needed to avoid being sucked into another season of struggle, though they do have a bit of time to solve their glaring issues.
Here’s a look at where improvement must be made….
Up front
Acun Ilicali told Hull Live that last season’s goalscoring struggles destroyed his soul, and if you ask any City fan, they’d almost certainly agree with that assessment.
In front of goal, the Tigers were desperate and by the skin of their teeth, they survived. Put simply, if that is not corrected this summer, they’ll struggle again.
While reinforcements are needed, and quality ones at that, Jakirovic must find a way to get the best out of the players already in the dressing room. Significant money has already been spent, and for little reward.
Mason Burstow and Kyle Joseph’s return of two goals between them in 40-plus games is nowhere near good enough, especially when you consider how much they spent. Joseph had it tough coming into a difficult situation in January, but City can’t afford hard-luck stories this season; they need results.
Now, the fee is not the players’ fault, but they have to perform, and both Burstow and Joseph will be judged on their output in the final third. Burstow, in particular, has shown little to justify his signing last summer, and that must change. Hopefully, a full pre-season under Jakirovic will be what he needs.
Oliver McBurnie remains high on the agenda. If they get the green light from the Scotland international, a deal for him could be wrapped up early next week, and bringing him in would be a fine signing. If that does not happen, it will be a blow and one they must move on from quickly and find something that can provide the firepower.
Focus on the engine room
City have good options in there as it stands with Regan Slater, Steven Alzate and Gustavo Puerta. Eliot Matazo is due back around Christmas, while Matt Crooks can operate in the middle of the park.
Bringing in Lewis O’Brien would be a major coup and change the dynamic of their midfield, and while it will be difficult to beat off stiff competition, City must show their ambition and make it happen.
The will is there, and talks are advanced with Nottingham Forest, but City will want to ensure they get the right deal, and that may mean they look elsewhere, with O’Brien not the only contender.
There remains significant doubt about the future of Steven Alzate amid plentiful interest, and the departure of Gustavo Puerta can’t be ruled out. Interest remains in Regan Slater, though the Tigers will be loath to lose such an influential performer.
A move for Oscar Zambrano remains likely, but given he cannot start training with a club before November 3, there’s no real pressing need to get that over the line.
More wide options
Liam Millar is expected back early in pre-season in what will be a major boost for him, most importantly, but also the Tigers while Mohamed Belloumi and his magic will not be far behind him.
Given they’ve been out for a prolonged period of time, caution is required in their respective comebacks. What their return means for Abu Kamara remains to be seen after his first season in the Championship, though it’s likely there will be another wide man coming in to bolster their options.
Louie Barry is a top target with the club in talks over a permanent move for the Aston Villa starlet, though they do have other options if that does not come off.
What do you think City must do before the start of the season? Have your say in the comments below….
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