Hull City's return to the Premier League is built on a direct and robust tactical identity, but serious questions remain about its sustainability at the highest level. The club, which finished sixth in the Championship last season with 68 points from 42 games, earned promotion via a 1-0 play-off final victory over Middlesbrough in May, ending a nine-year top-flight absence.
How does Hull City play under Sergej Jakirovic?
Head coach Sergej Jakirovic, who took charge in summer 2023, has instilled a clear philosophy. "My football philosophy is to adapt as soon as possible to the team, to develop them," Jakirovic told The Athletic. "I like attacking football, but we need such a profile of players." His preferred 4-2-3-1 formation was used 35 times last season, producing a style characterised by aggression and verticality. The plan, as Jakirovic outlined, was clear: "if we take the ball in the midfield area, immediately we switch the side or we play forward." This resulted in a league-high 111 switches of play and an average direct speed of 1.53 metres per second, the eighth-fastest in the division.
What were the strengths of their promotion campaign?
The attacking output was driven by specific mechanisms and key individuals. Centre-forward Oli McBurnie, a free transfer signing last summer, scored 17 regular-season goals and provided eight assists. His presence allowed for a direct approach that created potent counter-attacks. Hull scored 12 goals from Opta-defined 'fast breaks', a figure second only to Preston North End. Left-back Ryan Giles contributed eight league assists, feeding an attack that also included Joe Gelhardt and Mohamed Belloumi. The team's willingness to go long was evident, averaging 24.8 long balls per game, the third-highest tally in the Championship.
Why are there major concerns about their defence?
Despite the promotion, the defensive record presents a stark warning. Hull conceded 66 goals last season, more than any promoted side in the past 15 years. The underlying numbers are even more alarming. Their expected goals conceded (xGC) was 82.5, a figure better only than Sheffield Wednesday in the entire division. On average, opponents scored 0.34 fewer goals than expected per game against Hull. No side across Europe's top five leagues benefited more from wasteful opposition finishing. SkillCorner data shows Hull spent a greater share of time in a defensive 'low block' than any other Championship team.
How has the squad been strengthened for the Premier League?
The club has invested heavily to address these weaknesses, breaking its transfer record. Defender Nobel Mendy was signed from Rayo Vallecano for an undisclosed fee reported to be higher than £20 million. An 18-year-old Australian defender, Lucas Herrington, joined from Colorado Rapids for $23 million (£17 million). In goal, Konstantinos Tzolakis arrived from Olympiacos after being the standout goalkeeper in the Greek Super League. These signings aim to bolster a squad whose market value is still considered far below Premier League standard. You can view the updated squad for the new campaign.
What does the data say about their upcoming season?
The consensus from pundits, fans, and computer simulations overwhelmingly predicts relegation, with many expecting a bottom-place finish. The final 2025 Championship table shows Hull ended the season 18 points behind champions Coventry, with a goal difference of +4 from 64 scored and 60 conceded. Their recent form of LDDWL highlights inconsistencies. Jakirovic showed tactical flexibility by using a back five in the play-offs, a shape that may be seen more often. The challenge is immense. Hull must prove their direct, aggressive system can withstand the quality of Premier League attacks, having already spent more time defending than any Championship rival. The club's standings journey begins anew, with survival the sole objective.
