Hull City owner Acun Ilicali 'disturbed' by transfer rejection claims, posts signing progress list

Published Jul 24, 01:00 PM UTC

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Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has publicly stated he is 'disturbed' by media claims that the club has been rejected by transfer targets as they prepare for their return to the Premier League. In an unusual social media post, Ilicali listed the club's three completed signings (Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, Matt Targett) and provided a numbered list with country flags and percentages indicating how close they are to signing additional players. The list includes a Japan flag at 99% (reportedly midfielder Hidemasa Morita), Greece and Sweden at 90%, and Australia, Croatia, and Portugal at 80%. Ilicali did not specify which reports he was disputing but emphasized the club has been working intensively for two months. The club recently took out a £55m bridging loan to strengthen their financial position for transfers.

Source report

Image caption: Acun Ilicali became owner of Hull City in January 2022

By Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport journalist

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has said he is "disturbed" by claims that the club has been rejected by transfer targets and, in an unusual move, attempted to clarify the situation.

The Tigers are returning to the Premier League after a nine-year absence, following their victory in the Championship play-off final in May.

So far, they have signed:

Jack Butland (goalkeeper) from Rangers
Oscar Zambrano (midfielder) from Maribor
Matt Targett (defender) following his exit from Newcastle United

— as they prepare for the 2026-27 top-flight campaign.

"We are reading dozens of false transfer rumours in many places," wrote Ilicali in a social media post.

"We are disturbed by the claims that we have been rejected and by the use of our club's name to gain attention.

"We have been working intensively for two months. I believe we will build a team that we will all be proud of."

Ilicali, who did not mention the specific reports he was referring to, added: "To prevent false speculation and to give you more information, I am leaving you with our latest transfer situation, which includes some clues..."

In the rest of his message, Ilicali numerically listed Butland, Zambrano and Targett with ticks next to their names. He then listed numbers four through 11, accompanied by country flags and percentages, suggesting how close Hull were to signing players from those nations.

Number 4: Japan flag — 99%

BBC Radio Humberside sports editor Mike White has reported that the Tigers have agreed a deal to sign free agent midfielder Hidemasa Morita.

Greece flag: 90%
Sweden flag: 90%
Australia flag: 80%
Croatia flag: 80%
Portugal flag: 80%

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic stated earlier this month that the Tigers were close to completing a deal for Olympiakos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.

Ilicali recently said the club had taken out a £55m bridging loan to be in a "strong financial position" and help with completing transfers.

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BBC SportWestern

Original headline: Hull City owner 'disturbed' by transfer claims

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Hull City owner Acun Ilicali 'disturbed' by transfer rejection claims

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People and interests

Premier League Japan Greece Sweden Australia Croatia Portugal