Hull City face further hurdles in transfer market this summer thanks to little-known EFL rule

Add as preferred source on Google

Hull City’s transfer plans were obliterated by financial mismanagement, and a little-known EFL rule could make their situation worse.

Although Hull City enjoyed a successful pre-season trip to Turkey under new manager Sergej Jakirovic, having collected two wins against Turkish opposition, the Tigers continue to face hurdles in the transfer window.

A three-window ban was slapped on Hull after owner Acun Ilicali failed to pay Aston Villa the £1 million loan fee to bring Louie Barry to the club during the 2025 January window.

While the Championship side are currently appealing those restrictions, Ilicali’s financial errors have led to a turbulent summer so far.

The above restrictions have raised doubts over the permanent signings of Reda Laalaoui and Gustavo Puerta, two players who weren’t officially registered by the EFL. Unfortunately, that isn’t the only issue plaguing the Tigers.

• READ MORE: Acun Ilicali optimism over Hull City issue revealed, one thing is planned if transfer restrictions end

Hull City reportedly handed a maximum wage restriction

It was revealed recently that the EFL prevented Hull from signing Oli McBurnie due to his huge wage demands, protecting City from suffering more financial mismanagement.

Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday know all about wage restrictions, too, as the Owls have a maximum wage budget of £7k-a-week to spend on new players due to a rule in their embargo.

According to the Yorkshire Post, Hull have been hit with the same restriction, meaning they can only spend a maximum of £7k-a-week on signings.

Considering only a select few Hull first-team stars are earning under that amount, according to Capology, attracting players with that restriction will prove difficult.

Hull have seen their wage bill rise by 218% since Ilicali completed his takeover in January 2022, and currently, theirs is one of the highest in the Championship.

With Sean McLoughlin moving to Blackburn Rovers and Steven Alzate poised to join Atalanta United in the MLS, the club are making a conscious effort to lower their weekly expenditure, but selling players only gives them more work to do this summer.

Latest Hull City transfer news

A wage restriction in place has only been mentioned by one outlet, and it is hoped they’re not under the same guidelines as Sheffield Wednesday.

But if they are, Hull will have an even bigger mountain to climb to stay up next season. Admittedly, the Tigers are still trying their best to do business.

• READ MORE: Finance expert reveals why the EFL are taking a ‘harsh approach’ with Sheffield Wednesday

Hull are closing in on a move for Akin Famewo, the centre-back currently playing for Sheffield Wednesday, as a potential replacement for McLoughlin.

Jakirovic also confirmed Hull’s interest in Westerloo striker Matija Frigan, with the Tigers pushing for a loan deal that includes an option to buy if their restrictions get lifted.

The need for a striker is pressing as City were the Championship’s lowest scorers last term, and top scorer Joao Pedro has since exited the club.