Hull City beat two Championship rivals to new signing as Sheffield United boss speaks out

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When Hull City were hit with a transfer ban last month, fans of Sergej Jakirovic’s embattled Championship outfit may have given up hope of a few eye-catching additions before the September deadline.

Hull have been banned from paying transfer fees for any new players until January 2027.

But, while unpopular owner Acun Ilicali has appealed against the decision in an attempt to have it overturned, The Tigers might still come out of the summer window looking a lot stronger than they started it.

Hull City have succeeded in bringing in Enis Destan, Dillon Phillips, Semi Ajayi, Akim Famewo, John Lundstram and Manchester City loanee Joel Ndala without spending a penny in fees.

A £7.7 million-rated centre-forward might have to wait – Croatia Under-21 hitman Matija Frigan was keen on a move to Hull City, though it is difficult to imagine KVC Westerlo accepting a loan deal – but Oli McBurnie arrives on Humberside in the meantime as a free-agent determined to make his mark.

Hull fought off Swansea City and Sheffield United in the process. A fact now confirmed by the respective head coaches of both clubs; Alan Sheehan and Ruben Selles.

Hull City beat Sheffield United and Swansea City to Oli McBurnie

Oli McBurnie left Las Palmas after their La Liga relegation in July.

Despite interest from two of his former employers in the shape of Swansea and promotion hopefuls Sheffield United, the Scotland international was lured to the MKM Stadium instead after conversations with sporting director Jared Dublin and head coach Jakirovic.

“I spoke to Oli. I have known him a long time,” admits Sheehan, the Swansea City coach who played alongside a baby-faced McBurnie during his formative days at Bradford. “But I understand his reasoning – personal and family reasons – so I respect that.

“It just didn’t end up going in the right direction for different reasons. But it happens. We get on with it.”

EFL Analysis had been told that Swansea were hoping to sign Richard Kone after a prolific season in League One with Wycombe Wanderers. Sheehan, however, believes that a deal is unlikely as things stand; Kone going the same way as McBurnie.

As for Sheffield United, the Blades paid a club-record £20 million to sign McBurnie after he scored 13 Championship goals in a Swansea shirt during the 2018/19 season.

“I am not disappointed. These things happen and Oli made his own choice,” says Chris Wilder’s replacement at Bramall Lane, Ruben Selles admitting that McBurnie had been offered a return to South Yorkshire as well as South Wales.

“I don’t know him personally, but it is what it is and he picked another club and there is no more conversation for us.”

McBurnie shares Sergej Jakirovic’s 15-goal Championship challenge

Reports suggest that Oli McBurnie will start life at Hull City on the bench when Jakirovic’s side raise the curtain away to Coventry on Saturday.

“I’m buzzing. It’s been a long time coming,” McBurnie says during his unveiling in amber and black. “Everyone has worked really hard to get to this point. A big thank you to Jared, the owner and the manager for getting it done.

“Jared spoke to me at the end of last season. I was in Spain last year and, from the start, I said to Jared that for me to come back to England, it had to be something special. I needed to come back for something that excites me, and at the same time, is right for me and my family.

“There’s something to be said for a team and a manager that really wants you. When I spoke to the manager, the first thing he said to me was, ‘Can you score me 15 goals?’

“I’ve come in as more of an experienced player. I’ll try to use my experience to help some of the younger boys in that leadership role. I’ll put myself about, make it hard for defenders and chip in with some goals.”