With Hull City under new ownership and with new funds available for transfers, the Tigers have already started to get cracking on making approaches for new players this summer.
According to a report from Ajansspor in Turkey, the side have already made moves for Hatayspor players in Ayoub El Kaabi and Saba Lobjanidze. Both of them have impressed for the club this season and have clearly caught the eye of Hull, who are now prepared to give them a chance in England and in the Championship.
Having previously struggled to stay in the second tier – last time they were promoted from League One, they went straight back down – the Tigers were able to maintain their place in the Championship this season and can now begin to push on in the next campaign.
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That should mean new boss Shota Arveladze has plenty of transfer dealings and squad outgoings this summer as he builds the squad to his liking. It could begin with deals for these two Hatayspor players.
El Kaabi has been on fire in terms of his goal tally this season, bagging 18 goals in just 32 Super Lig outings this term with two assists to boot. It means he is the joint-second highest goalscorer in the entire league – and if he could carry that kind of form over to Hull, he would be a real boost to their strikeforce.
His teammate Lobjanidze has been equally as impressive too, with eight goals and eight assists in just 37 league games from the wing. Both have never been tested in England but both have solid records throughout their careers – and it looks as though Hull could potentially be ready to give them a chance to test their luck in the Championship.
The Verdict
Hull City are exploring new avenues for transfers this summer and whilst it could be a risk, it could also pay off massively too. Considering the goal tallies and contributions of both men linked with a deal here, it could really help boost their attack next season.
If they can carry their fine form over to the Championship, then a move for either or both could be a real shrewd move by the Tigers. They have a combined goals total of 26 over the course of the campaign and if they could manage even half of that with the Tigers then it would be a decent return for them.
Hatayspor likely won’t want to let two of their brightest and best players depart during the offseason though but it doesn’t mean they won’t be tempted into doing business if the right bid came in.
The only issue might be asking price – Transfermarkt values Lobjanidze as worth £4m on his own for example – and if El Kaabi cost the same, it could mean the Tigers would need to stump up nearly an eight-figure fee for their services. If they can land them though, then it could be some really good business by the club.
