Hull City are in advanced talks to sign Toni Fruk, the Rijeka attacking midfielder, as the Tigers push to boost their creative options ahead of a Premier League return. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): Hull finished 6th in the Championship last term with 73 points from 46 games, 21 wins, 10 draws and 15 losses, and recent form read WWDWL. They beat Middlesbrough 1-0 on 23 May 2026 to cap a four-game winning streak (last five: 4W-1D-0L, WWWWD).
What’s happening with Toni Fruk?
Toni Fruk, 25, has become Hull City’s prime target in midfield as Sergej Jakirović’s side plots a competitive Premier League squad. The Tigers are negotiating with Rijeka over a fee reported to be in the £8-10m range, despite Fruk entering the final year of his contract. Sources close to the deal stress talks are still fluid, with one Rijeka insider admitting: “A deal is not as close as people are making out.”
Hull are not alone. Ajax and two other Premier League clubs have also registered serious interest in the Croatia international, raising the stakes and the asking price. The competition means Hull must move decisively if they want to land their man before the window slams shut.
Why Fruk fits Hull’s plan
Fruk’s profile matches exactly what Hull need: vision, invention and attacking output in midfield. Jakirović knows the player from their time together at Rijeka and sees him as a natural fit for the creative role he wants to fill. That existing relationship could tip the balance in Hull’s favour, especially as Fruk is said to be open to working with the manager again.
The Tigers’ summer recruitment is taking shape around quality across key areas. Adding Fruk would give them another creative outlet as they aim to survive in the top flight. The club are keen to add multiple new faces over the coming weeks to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Ajax pressure and next steps
Ajax’s involvement adds pressure on Hull to match Rijeka’s valuation and convince Fruk this is the right next step. The Croatia international has made 139 appearances and scored 32 goals for Rijeka, so any move must respect his standing there. For Hull, a breakthrough will likely depend on meeting the asking price and persuading the player that Tiger Stadium is the place to be.
For now, the picture is clear enough. Hull are in talks, Ajax are involved, Premier League rivals are watching, and Toni Fruk looks increasingly likely to be on the move this summer. Goals this season: Hull scored 70 and conceded 66, leaving them with a +4 goal difference. They sit 22 points behind league leaders Coventry in the Championship race.
