Acun Ilicali makes cheeky transfer decision with second club that could significantly benefit Hull City

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Hull City chief Acun Ilicali has made a sly move for two former Tiger players to sign for NK Maribor, who he also owns.

Hull City have been riddled with financial concerns this summer, which have had a direct impact on recruitment.

The EFL implemented a transfer fee ban on Hull City, which significantly affected both their incomings and outgoings in the transfer window.

While the transfer fee ban did have its silver lining, with Hull City still managing to sign free agent Oli McBurnie, and it also strengthened their case to keep star players Ivor Pandur and Charlie Hughes amid Championship interest, it has had its obvious drawbacks.

One example was Hull City’s inability to sign players who were on loan at the club; however Acun Ilicali may have found a sly way around the mess.

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Hull City owner Acun Ilicali signs Oscar Zambrano and Jean Michael Seri for NK Maribor

It has been confirmed by Acun Ilicali-owned NK Maribor that they have signed former Hull City stars Oscar Zambrano and Jean Michael Seri.

Seri was one of the first blockbuster arrivals of the Ilicali era, while Zambrano was a shining light in the early stages of the 2024/25 season before he was given a doping ban.

While Zambrano was then given the green light to play once again, it unfortunately coincided with Hull City’s transfer fee ban, meaning that the club were unable to follow their original plans and sign the Ecuadorian.

Hull owner Ilicali made it clear that he was willing to stand by Zambrano during the verdict, and he has now found a backup plan to still keep the midfielder in his plans.

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Oscar Zambrano signing could open up loan possibility for Hull City

Hull City no longer have Oscar Zambrano on the books, and rather unfortunately, after his bright start to life at the MKM Stadium last season, it was cut short. Fortunately, there could be a positive outcome to the mess that unfolded at the club.

Acun Ilicali, after becoming less involved with Fenerbache, has his priorities set with Hull City, and his vision to attain Zambrano at Maribor could be a long-winded opportunity to bring him back to the MKM Stadium.

While Hull City find themselves in the midst of EFL fee restrictions, Ilicali could house the Ecuadorian and promise him that, once the club are able to, they could make a move for Zambrano.