Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has revealed the club is working through a list of 80 potential transfer targets as they race to strengthen their squad before the Premier League season begins. Speaking after a pre-season friendly, Jakirovic stressed the urgent need for new signings to address a mounting injury crisis, as reported by Hull Live.
Why is Hull City's transfer search so urgent?
The primary driver is a significant injury list that has hampered preparations. In their final friendly against Kasimpasa, the Tigers were without seven first-team players: Lewie Coyle, Charlie Hughes, Hidemasa Morita, Darko Gyabi, Matty Jacob, Matt Targett, and Oscar Zambrano. Full-back Cody Drameh also had to be substituted at half-time with a minor issue. This situation echoes problems from last season and leaves Jakirovic with a depleted group just weeks before their top-flight campaign kicks off. The manager wants new arrivals integrated quickly to allow time to adapt to his methods. You can track the latest fitness updates on our dedicated injuries page.
Which players are Hull City close to signing?
According to the report, two deals are on the verge of completion and would represent club-record signings. Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and defender Nobel Mendy are expected to be confirmed imminently and should join the squad for their training camp in Frankfurt. Mendy, a left-footed centre-back, impressed Jakirovic with his performances for Rayo Vallecano in Spain last season. "He's quick, capable of playing in the right spaces, good on the ball, a lot of experience in the Spanish Primera Division," Jakirovic said. "At this level, he's what we need." The club is also advancing on moves for Colorado Rapids defender Lucas Herrington and Tromso midfielder Jens Hjertø-Dahl.
What other targets are on Hull City's radar?
The scale of the operation is vast, with Jakirovic joking about the volume of options. "If I open my phone, I have 80 players inside," he stated. Beyond the near-complete deals, the Tigers are keen to bolster their wide options. They hope to secure a move for Nice winger Mohamed Ali-Cho and are monitoring another forward target. A familiar name also remains in the frame, with Everton's Tim Iroegbunam still a firm target for the club this summer. The search is comprehensive, covering multiple positions to add quality to a squad that earned promotion.
How does the current squad shape up for the Premier League?
Despite the promotion, the squad has clear gaps that need filling. So far, only four new signings have been made, and among them, only goalkeeper Jack Butland is currently fit. This leaves Jakirovic with a thin group as they prepare for the step up in competition. The manager acknowledged the solid core of players who won promotion but emphasized the need for upgrades. "We need players, we need quality who can improve this team," he explained. The club's activity in the market will be critical to their chances of survival, and fans can view the evolving team roster on our squad section.
With the season fast approaching, Hull City's recruitment team faces a busy final stretch. The aim is to convert interest in several targets into finalized deals, providing Jakirovic with the tools to compete in the Premier League. The manager's public comments underline both the breadth of their search and the pressing need for speed to ensure new signings are ready for the opening fixture.
