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A top forward is on Hull City’s radar, with Sergej Jakirovic confirming the club’s interest.
Hull City are under a transfer and loan fee embargo, something that has prohibited Acun Ilicali’s ability to strengthen the squad this season.
Off the back of the highly disastrous 2024/25 Championship season, only saved on the final day by former boss Ruben Selles, it is clear that the current Hull City squad needs an overhaul, particularly in the striker department.
Whilst Hull City’s ability in the next three windows, as things stand, is significantly affected by the current restrictions in play, Ilicali has found a way to skirt around it.
Hull City are linked to Matija Frigan, with Ilicali keen to sign the Westerlo forward on loan, with a fee set to be paid following the conclusion of the club’s restrictions.
Following the reported interest, Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic has confirmed the club’s interest in Frigan, and he has also highlighted why his next move should be to East Yorkshire.
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Sergej Jakirovic confirms Hull City interest in Matija Frigan
Sergej Jakirovic and Matija Frigan are very familiar with each other after the striker broke the record for being Rijeka’s youngest player to play in a European match after playing vs Napoli on 26 November 2020 in the Europa League – the club that the Tigers boss would later join.
The Bosnian boss is a big fan of Frigan after the nine-month overlap they had at the club, and Jakirovic is very keen to reunite with him.
Speaking to Hull Daily Mail, Jakirovic said: “Yes (we want him).
“He’s an excellent striker. His work rate is very high. A very good left-foot finisher, good with the header, good with the left and right foot, good in the spaces, he’s a good target man.
“I think this is the next step for him. This is perfect for him because if it’s coming from Croatia from Rijeka, then it’s maybe a bigger step for him, but now after Westerlo, I think he’s ready to play.”
When asked if he would like the deal completed swiftly, he responded simply with: “Yes, of course.”
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Acun Ilicali must take a risk with Matija Frigan deal
Because of Hull City’s current position, Frigan can only move to the MKM Stadium in a loan deal, but this will likely have to include a sizeable future fee.
There are the obvious risks involved in this deal, which sees Acun Ilicali condemn Hull City to paying a future fee when the financial picture of the club could be significantly worse later down the line.
In most situations, it would be best to avoid, but Hull City are so desperate to bring in a forward that such a risk might need to be taken to increase the club’s chances of staying in the Championship this season.