Premier League club owner shares exciting news about 11 possible transfers in a surprising social media post
Hull City are getting ready for their return to the Premier League, and owner Acun Ilicali is doing something a bit different to build excitement by sharing a list of possible new signings.
The Tigers secured their fourth promotion to England’s top league at the end of May when Oli McBurnie scored a last-minute winner against Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final. Since then, Hull have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in players like Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, and Matt Targett.
Japanese star Hidemasa Morita is expected to join the team at their training camp in Slovenia soon. He’s one of several players who might soon be signing with Hull at the MKM Stadium.
Acun Ilicali has been very open about the club’s transfer moves. On Thursday morning, right after confirming Targett’s signing, he shared a fun update on who might be signing next and cleared up some false rumors. He posted the flags of each player’s country along with a “chance percentage” to show how close Hull are to finishing these deals.
“Dear Hull City family, we’ve seen lots of false transfer rumors lately,” Ilicali wrote on X. “It’s upsetting to hear that we’ve been rejected or that our club’s name is being used for attention. We’ve been working hard for two months, and I truly believe we’ll build a team we can all be proud of. To help clear up the rumors and keep you informed, here’s our latest transfer update with some clues.”
He listed 11 players Hull are working on signing for coach Sergej Jakirovic’s squad, adding flags and percentages to hint at how likely each transfer is.
Morita has already had his medical and is close to signing a two-year deal after joining from Sporting Lisbon for free. Ilicali said there’s a 99% chance he’ll join. Goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and wing-back Elliot Stroud are also close, with a 90% chance each. Tzolakis from Olympiacos should arrive soon, although his transfer is taking a bit longer than planned. Hull also have a deal lined up with Mjallby to sign Stroud.
They’re also trying to sign winger Marco Pasalic from Orlando City, with about an 80% chance. And there’s interest in Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, who Hull think has a 70% chance of joining.
It’s an exciting time for Hull fans as the club builds their squad for their first season back in the Premier League in nine years. The Tigers open their season at home against Manchester United on August 22, followed by a trip to Coventry City a week later.