Steve Bruce has already told Hull City why they should sign player ‘blessed with natural ability’

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Hull City are yet to finalise a decision on one particular player, but recent comments from former manager Steve Bruce could prove influential. 

Hull City’s financial situation has led to them being dealt a transfer fee ban, with Acun Ilicali now having to focus on bringing free players to the club.

This has undoubtedly affected Hull City’s transfer business, leaving Ilicali to scour the free agent and loan market this summer. 

There’s one player who has already attracted the Tigers’ attention, and Hull City’s head coach Sergej Jakirovic is yet to decide whether to sign him.

And this past assessment from former manager Steve Bruce could help him make a decision. 

Steve Bruce’s unreserved praise for Jonjo Shelvey’s ‘natural’ talent

During Steve Bruce’s managerial stint at Newcastle United, he praised ‘blessed’ Jonjo Shelvey, who arrived in 2016 from Swansea City.

“It’s always difficult for a manager to single out an individual, but if there’s anybody who has took on board what we require and what we want, then it’s Jonjo,” Bruce told Newcastle’s website.

“Jonjo has always been blessed – it becomes easy, the game of football, like a game of golf, to him. He’s blessed with a natural ability. 

“He can see a pass that other people can’t, he can deliver a pass, he can score a goal. What we’ve just tried to do is get him in as good a physical shape and mentally well, and physically and mentally, he’s bought into everything we’ve tried to put over to him, and fair play to him.

“At the minute, he’s reaping the benefit of how good he looks, and of course, he’s playing at the top of his game, which is always good to see because he has been outstanding in the last few.” 

Jonjo Shelvey’s experience is exactly what Hull City need

The 33-year-old left his former club Burnley in June when his contract expired, after making just 4 appearances – a world away from his extensive time at St. James Park.

Hull City enter the 2025/26 season after a tough 2024/25 campaign where they narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship, surviving only on goal difference. 

The Tigers desperately need proven quality and leadership, and an experienced player like Jonjo Shelvey, who boasts significant Premier League pedigree, offers the kind of calm, authoritative presence and deep understanding of the game that can guide a squad navigating a challenging financial landscape and a desire to climb the Championship table. His ability to control the midfield, dictate play and contribute goals would also be invaluable.