It’s become so clear who Hull City’s first summer signing should be, Ruben Selles thinks he’s ‘exceptional’

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Hull City experienced relief last weekend as they stayed up on goal difference ahead of Luton Town, and that should have acted as a warning sign for owner Acun Ilicali.

However, the relief of confirming their Championship status for another season has been short lived, with Hull fans directing their anger towards Ilicali.

It emerged shortly after their draw against Portsmouth that Ilicali was considering sacking Ruben Selles, despite completing his rescue mission.

The overriding emotion from most fans was that the 41-year-old deserved a chance to lead the Tigers into the summer transfer window, and beyond.

After Ilicali sacked Liam Rosenior last summer following a seventh place finish, it was feared that history could repeat itself. But hopefully, the former Reading boss remains in charge, and then it becomes clear who his first summer signing should be.

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Hull City should make Joe Gelhardt their first summer signing

In the January transfer window, Hull signed Joe Gelhardt on loan from Leeds United to compete for a forward spot.

Some initially questioned the decision to capture the 23-year-old as City needed goals, and Gelhardt only scored seven at senior level before moving to the MKM Stadium.

But those worries were soon put behind them as the exciting English forward became an instant hit in East Yorkshire, notably through his ferocious pressing, lung bursting runs and finishing ability.

Gelhardt plundered five goals in 20 appearances for the Tigers, which of course wasn’t the most prolific return, but his attributes were perfect for the number 10 role.

Selles handed the Leeds loanee the license to drift into pockets of space out wide, run in behind the defence as well as creating chances from deep.

The youngster was instrumental in most of Hull’s attacking play, often looking the most threatening in a team that scored the second-fewest goals, demonstrating why he must become their first summer addition.

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What Ruben Selles has said about signing Joe Gelhardt

Reports suggest that Leeds will demand a ‘significant’ fee for Gelhardt in the summer, making a deal perhaps difficult to complete.

But since the Whites have won promotion to the Premier League and Gelhardt is desperate to play regular first-team football, another loan deal could be sanctioned, allowing the Tigers to swoop.

Speaking about the potential of bringing the forward back to the MKM Stadium, Selles told Hull Live: “I’m not going to go too much on it because everything can happen. I just think that it has been a pleasure for us to have Joe. His way to work has been exceptional.

“His qualities and abilities are exactly what you expect from a player, but also from a person in our environment. I will be happy if he can stay with us for another season, but there are a lot of things that need to be discussed, not only my intention.”

Gelhardt slotted perfectly into the culture in East Yorkshire and is adored by the fans. As long as Selles keeps his job, there is a real possibility the 2002-born forward could be wearing black and amber again next season.