Why Hull City ace Sean McLoughlin is set to join Blackburn Rovers for £500k as Sergej Jakirovic factor clear

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Hull City’s longest-serving player, Sean McLoughlin, is set to join their Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers in a move which will not be received well by Tigers fans.

After flirting with relegation to League One last season, Hull City have continued that uncertainty into the post-season summer.

Under the ownership of Acun Illicali, Hull were given a three-window transfer embargo by the EFL. However, the Tigers’ owner has since issued an appeal to the EFL, with Illicali confident Hull’s restrictions will be lifted.

Earlier in the summer, Hull appointed Sergej Jakirovic to become the permanent successor to Ruben Selles, after the Spaniard was sacked despite keeping Hull in the Championship.

Now, it appears Jakirovic will be without one high-profile Hull star for his maiden campaign at the helm, for a surprising reason.

• READ MORE: Acun Ilicali is already annoying Championship rival chiefs over wanted Hull City man, fans will love it

Why Sean McLoughlin is leaving Hull City for Blackburn Rovers

As well as the embargo, Hull were dealt a major blow earlier in the summer transfer window after missing out on a high-profile target.

Hull were set to sign Louie Barry earlier in the window, but the deal for the Aston Villa ace fell through amid the financial concerns on the Tigers’ part, with Sheffield United poised to sign Barry instead.

Now, Hull are set to suffer further woes with club stalwart Sean McLoughlin agreeing a long-term contract with Championship rivals Blackburn Rovers.

The 28-year-old is Hull’s longest-serving player, after going on to make 146 appearances since arriving from Cork City in the summer of 2019.

Despite registering two assists in 37 Championship appearances last term for the Tigers, it has been revealed that popular figure McLoughlin has been deemed surplus to requirements by newly appointed boss Jakirovic.

Hull Live report that: “McLoughlin has opted to leave City in the pursuit of regular first team football, something he could not be guaranteed at the MKM Stadium under Jakirovic.”

Jakirovic’s shunning of McLoughlin in his new Tigers era is a surprising decision given that the versatile defender was one of Hull’s most consistent performers last season.

McLoughlin could be followed out of the MKM exit by fellow defender Alfie Jones, with Wrexham set to beat Boro for Jones, with a £3m bid incoming from the Red Dragons for his signature.

From a Rovers perspective, Valerien Ismael will be acquiring a seasoned, versatile defender at Championship level, which will be a major boost.

• READ MORE: Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic sends transfer plea to ‘excellent striker’, Championship is his ‘next step’

Sergej Jakirovic is taking a gamble at Hull City by letting Sean McLoughlin leave

In the 2024/25 Championship, the Republic of Ireland international enjoyed arguably his best career season to date, showcasing his ability to impact both defensively and in attack.

One Championship expert was stunned by Jakirovic’s Hull appointment, with fears over potential relegation for the Tigers laid bare.

In what could be the best Championship season yet, Jakirovic will be hoping to join the list of Hull’s best managers ranked by win percentage, despite it being his first season as a head coach in English football.

With the new manager’s inexperience in the EFL, and the ongoing turmoil at boardroom level for Hull, it begs the question that all Hull fans are wrestling with; that surely strengthening a league rival by selling your most experienced player could prove to be a short-sighted decision come next season.