Time is running out to make final changes to their squad
Sergej Jakirovic says Hull City continue to try and find ways to improve their squad, despite the strict conditions imposed on them by the EFL.
City remain hopeful of making at least one new signing before Monday night’s 7pm deadline, but are finding life increasingly difficult because of the two-window ban on paying transfer and loan fees.
Besiktas midfielder Amir Hadziametovic remains a top target, but his, or any other incoming deal, hinges on Abu Kamara’s loan move to Getafe being rubber-stamped.
The Tigers are now operating a one-in, one-out policy because of their proximity to breaking FFP rules, and so would need to move a first-team player out before they could bring in anyone else, something Jakirovic admits makes life difficult.
“We must take somebody in that will be one of our first 11, or first 13 players, which is something that we always try and do,” the Croatian told Hull Live. “It’s difficult. I don’t want to lose Abu Kamara, but this is the only solution, and Abu wants to go to Getafe. This is also his wish. Of course, I understand this because a football career is very short, so you have to try at least to play on this level.”
The season isn’t yet a month old, but already the squad has been hit by injury troubles with Lewie Coyle, Matt Crooks, Semi Ajayi and Akin Famewo all picking up injuries while a sickness bug ripped through the squad ahead of Saturday’s home thumping by Blackburn Rovers keeping the likes of Charlie Hughes out.
Jakirovic admits he would be more than happy with the squad, if everybody was fully fit, which they’re not. He remains keen to add a midfielder, and winger, if Kamara’s move to La Liga gets over the line.
On the flanks, Mohamed Belloumi made his return from an ACL injury late on against Rovers, while Liam Millar is expected back by the middle of September, so bringing in cover there is less of a priority than elsewhere, and Enis Destan is nearing a return to bolster the attacking ranks.
“I expect every day a busy day, not week,” he joked. “If somebody goes out, we can bring somebody in. It makes it very hard, but what can I do? I can do nothing but coaching on the pitch, focus, and that’s it. This is the biggest problem for me. If we are all healthy, I don’t have problems at all. Nobody needs to come. We have a good squad.
“We need a midfielder for sure. Now (we need a) winger if Kamara is off, but we expect Belloumi and Millar back, so we will see. We have three plus one with Tyrell (Sellars-Fleming), so four, so it’s OK, I’m happy with that,” added the head coach when asked if adding to his forward line was a possibility.”
Where do you think City need to strengthen? Have your say in the comments below…
Here at Hull Live, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.