Hull City defender Sean McLoughlin is leaving Hull City after the club sanctioned his departure with the Irishman expected to join Blackburn Rovers.
McLoughlin did not take part in the club’s pre-season training session at Riva on Thursday, having earlier said his goodbyes to his teammates and support staff before heading to Istanbul airport for a flight back to England to seal a move to Lancashire.
The 28-year-old, who is City’s longest-serving player, having arrived in the summer of 2019, has agreed a long-term contract at Ewood Park, and it’s understood the Tigers will receive around £500,000 for his signature.
Sources have suggested that McLoughlin has opted to leave City in the pursuit of regular first team football, something he could not be guaranteed at the MKM Stadium under Sergej Jakirovic, and his wish has been granted.
McLoughlin has become a hugely popular figure both on the terraces at the MKM Stadium, as well as in the dressing room and his imminent departure will leave a hole in the squad.
The Republic of Ireland international could be followed out of the MKM Stadium exit door by Alfie Jones, with talks ongoing with Middlesbrough over a permanent deal for the 28-year-old.
Jones remains out in Turkey with the rest of the City squad, but it’s expected a move to the Riverside Stadium is likely to be completed in the coming days.
McLoughlin’s departure leaves Jakirovic with Charlie Hughes, John Egan, and summer arrival Semi Ajayi, along with Jones, but Hull Live understands a new arrival is close.
The Tigers are thought to have sealed a deal for a defender to come in on a free transfer, though that move is not likely to be announced before the outcome of their appeal is known.
That’s expected to come at the end of the month, with both City and EFL keen to strike an agreement and come to a resolution as soon as possible.
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