Hull City

Mike White
BBC Radio Humberside sports editor

Hull City's chances of staying in the Premier League after securing promotion through the Championship play-offs in May has been the subject of several questions via our 'Ask about Hull City' form.

At this stage, it is hard to give a full assessment because we're in the early stages of the summer transfer window and as we speak, the Tigers haven't signed anyone.

However, we all know how difficult it is for any team to make that transition from Championship to Premier League at the best of times, so the law of averages suggests they will find the going tough.

That said, for those teams that have come up and dropped down immediately in previous seasons, you can also look at other examples of sides that have found a way to make it more than a fleeting visit.

Take last season, for instance. Sunderland seemed to find the right model of recruitment and style of play that led to them more than just making up the numbers.

Don't get me wrong, that's not a foolproof blueprint by any stretch, but there are those within Hull City who have made no secret of the fact it is a formula they would not mind replicating or at least drawing some encouragement from.

And with the confidence and belief head coach Sergej Jakirovic was able to instil in his side for their incredible run to the play-off final, fans should at least feel optimistic that they will not die wondering.

However, everybody is aware that saying it and doing it are very different things when it comes to Premier League survival.

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Mike White
BBC Radio Humberside sports editor

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Hull City have definite interest in 25-year-old Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin, who is with Belgium at the World Cup.

However, with an offer understood to be in the region of £12m-14m, that is unlikely to be enough given the Scottish Premiership side are believed to value him at about £20m, if not a little more. Bologna are also said to be an admirer of Raskin.

Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam is someone the Tigers were targeting and sources have told me they were close to an agreement but that may not happen now, with some at the club more interested than others within the decision-making process.

Braga's Lukas Hornicek is said to be Hull's number-one goalkeeping target – they would like to bring a couple in during this window – and the interest there is strong but it has all gone a bit quiet right now.

That, of course, isn't uncommon when players are involved with their nations at a World Cup. The 23-year-old has been an unused sub for the Czech Republic in all three of their group games.

Regarding keepers, reports on Wednesday suggested Manchester United's Radek Vitek was a target, but I understand the two parties can't agree on a fee so that one looks unlikely at the moment.

Hull were also in talks to bring Toulouse's Brazilian forward Emersonn to East Yorkshire, but it looks like that interest may be dead because of the demands from the player and his agent.

Another player who was on the Toogers' radar is Japanese midfielder Kodai Sano, currently at NEC Nijmegen and who is believed to be valued somewhere between £12m and £18m. However, that interest may also have gone cold.

Hear more from Mike below or listen on BBC Sounds here

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Hull City have made Manchester United goalkeeper Radek Vitek a target after the 22-year-old Czech Republic youth international impressed on loan at Bristol City in the Championship last season. (Mail), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Mike White
BBC Radio Humberside sports editor

It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.

With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.

Image source, Getty Images

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic has made no secret of his desire, whilst speaking to Croatian media, to sign players from that country's league.

One of those who's currently at the World Cup is Toni Fruk. The 25-year-old Rijeka attacking midfielder/forward was an unused substitute for the loss to England but is highly thought of.

Aside from Fruk, there are no specific names linked with the Tigers from the tournament so far but the club have certainly have eyes on it.

With the impressive recruitment work done already through the likes of sporting director Jared Dublin and head of recruitment Martin Hodge, you wouldn't put it past them to unearth a few gems as Hull return to the Premier League after almost a decade.

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It doesn't get much better than that for a Premier League season-opener!

That's the consensus view of most Hull City fans and while Manchester United aren't currently the dominant force in world football they were previously, it is a name that still carries a lot of weight based on reputation alone.

From the Tigers' perspective, it is at home and it is in the Premier League - so what's not to like?

Of course, the reality can be a lot harsher than the fantasy but, for the next couple of months, it would be a cruel person who wouldn't let everyone enjoy the anticipation of what should be a momentous opener on Hull's return to the most prestigious league in the game.

A second-week trip to fellow promoted side and Championship title-holders Coventry City might be viewed as a more realistic opportunity for valuable points but, equally, the Sky Blues will see it in exactly the same way.

• See Hull's full fixture list

The festive period is always an appealing time of year for fans, and this season is no exception, with a pre-Christmas trip to Manchester City, a Boxing Day encounter at home to Liverpool and a first top-flight meeting with Yorkshire rivals Leeds United just before the turn of the year.

Finishing the season just how they start it with a home game will be some comfort.

What the league table looks like by then remains to be seen, but Hull will hope that when Newcastle United come to town at the end of May, it will be nothing more than putting a bow on a productive, or dare I say it successful, first season back in the Premier League since 2017, rather than already knowing their fate or even a final-day scrap to ensure it wasn't just a brief return to the so-called 'promised land of English football'.

Listen to reaction from former players to Hull's fixtures on BBC Sounds here or by pressing play below

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We asked for your views on Hull City's 2026-27 fixtures and how many points you expect from the first 10 games.

Here are some of your comments:

Jo: I'm going to go for 11 points. We haven't got the meanest opening 10 fixtures, so I'll be worried if it is much less than 10 points by the end of them.

Tanya: All of the games are tough in the Premier League but, as a Hull City fan, we will go out to every game fighting and prove why we are there. Our fans will be out singing and backing the players. Let's face it, everybody had us written off last season and look what we achieved!

Andy: Looking at the fixtures for Hull City, we have a tough start that's for sure. The first 38 games look tricky to me!

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Amid all the talk of central midfield signings, the future of Toby Collyer is an interesting talking point.

Collyer came out of the 2024-25 campaign having made a big impression and the intention was for the England youth international to go out on loan to further his footballing education and, potentially, fight for a first-team berth this term.

Frustratingly, a calf injury wrecked the end of what had been an encouraging spell at West Brom in the first half of the season, then a hamstring problem prevented him from making an early impact at Hull City, before an ankle injury ruled him out of the end of the season and the play-off final victory over Middlesbrough.

Clearly, the 22-year-old impressed Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic when he was available though, because the Bosnian is keen to have him back, believing if Collyer gets a full pre-season behind him, he can have an impact in the Premier League.

Collyer signed a contract in 2024 at Old Trafford that runs to 2027, with the option of a further year.

Given his status, it would be no surprise if United sanctioned a permanent move away from the club, be it to Hull or somewhere else.

Now you have seen the 2026-27 fixtures, what kind of start do you think the Tigers will have under Sergej Jakirovic? How many points do you expect after the first 10 games?

Get in touch with your views here

• Read more on the matches and rule changes for 2026-27

Hull City will kick off their 2026-27 campaign back in the Premier League with a home game against Manchester United.

The match will take place on Saturday, 22 August at 12:30 BST, with the Tigers' first away fixture against Coventry City on the weekend of 29-30 August.

Sergej Jakirovic's side face Liverpool (H), Leeds United (H), Sunderland (A) and Nottingham Forest (A) over the Christmas and New Year period.

And they end their league season with a home fixture against Newcastle United on Sunday, 30 May, when all games will kick off at the same time.

See Hull's Premier League fixtures in full here

Now you have seen the fixtures, what kind of start do you think the Tigers will have? How many points do you expect after the first 10 games?

Send us your thoughts here

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With the countdown to the 2026-27 Premier League fixture release well and truly on, we asked for your stories of opening-day games - both good and bad - that have stuck in your minds most.

Here are some of your replies:

Rob: My best memory of an opening fixture was in August 1977 when we beat Sunderland 3-0. They had just been relegated from the old First Division and brought thousands of fans who completely filled the East Stand at Boothferry Park. It was an impressive sight as they sang "we're going up again" (to the tune of If They Could See Me Now) while punching the air on every "up". Their early optimism was soon punctured as we completely battered them, but sadly this was the high point of our season as we ended up getting relegated to the Third Division.

Liam: Leicester City opening day 2016-17, double bicycle-kick Abel Hernandez and Adama Diomande. Unreal scenes.

Dylan: The 2016 win against champions Leicester with the double bicycle-kick has to go down as one of the best ones, for sure. First time the previous champions had been beaten by a newly-promoted side if I remember correctly as well!

Brandon: One thing that always stands out is the 2016-17 opening day victory against the champions Leicester City, especially with all the uncertainty and noise surrounding Hull at the time with a bare bones squad and the manager Steve Bruce resigning before the season started. To rock up and beat Leicester, and even Swansea in the following game, showed intent and resilience at a time of turmoil.

Come back to this page at 10:00 BST to see how the Tigers' 2026-27 Premier League fixtures have fallen.

Hull City facing a six-point deduction unless they find £6m of income before the end of June is a result of "chasing the dream" but the Tigers are confident of finding a solution before the deadline, says BBC Radio Humberside sports editor Mike White.

City have spent beyond the losses over a three-year period which are permitted by the profit and sustainability rules (PSR) which apply to EFL clubs.

Hull City chair Acun Ilicali told fans at a regular Q&A session: "I'm not afraid. We've managed harder things. For us, this is more manageable. Now we're a Premier League team, the value of players has gone up."

Speaking on BBC Radio Humberside, White said: "This is simply down to chasing the dream, for want of a better expression, and ultimately spending beyond their means.

"At the moment, [Hull City are] confident [that they will be able to resolve PSR before the deadline]. One good source said to me that I don't think we'll lose points."

Kyle Joseph, David Akintola, Kasey Palmer, Abu Kamara and Abdu Omur are likely candidates for sale, according to White.

Hull would have the option to extend their accounting year to 31 July to give them more time to sell players, something other clubs have done in the past to help them resolve PSR breaches.

Other clubs may claim they have been impacted by Hull's overspend, which could lead to challenges from City's 2025-26 promotion rivals..

"It's a rather scary prospect," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Radio Humberside.

"Could Middlesbrough say had it not been for Hull's overspend, we are convinced we would have won the Championship play-off match and, on the basis of that, we think we're entitled to some compensation?

"Could the side that finished seventh say we were denied the opportunity to get into the play-offs and we think we're entitled to compensation?

"It all gets absolutely horrible. We fall in love with football for what happens on the pitch, not what's happening in committee rooms."

Hit play above to hear the full chat, or listen on BBC Sounds here

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Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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When Hull City won promotion back to the Premier League by beating Middlesbrough in the play-off final, it came with guaranteed riches of around £200m.

Yet, in a strange twist, winning that game means Hull must sell players before the end of June to avoid a potential points deduction in the Premier League.

The Tigers have an overspend of around £6m on their profit and sustainability (PSR) calculation. Under the English Football League rules, that could lead to a six-point penalty.

It is a breach caused by promotion bonuses included in the players' contracts.

If Hull had lost to Middlesbrough, they would not have been in danger of exceeding the maximum losses of £39m for the past three seasons and there would have been no points penalty in the Championship.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Sport that Hull's losses had been "relatively modest" in recent seasons.

"That was partly due to the fact they had some very successful player sales which contribute towards covering those losses," Maguire said, with the Tigers earning significant fees from the sales of Jaden Philogene and Jacob Greaves.

"The big challenge for Hull is that, as we saw with Nottingham Forest's charges and points deduction a couple of seasons ago, if a club pays promotion bonuses, those bonuses are included in the PSR calculations.

"Therefore it can unwittingly knock a club over the £39m limit."

Maguire says that in total a squad's promotion bonuses are worth between £10m and £15m.

Hull owner Acun Ilicali has been surprisingly candid that work must be done in the next couple of weeks.

"We have overspent and we have to sell some players before 1 July," Ilicali said in a Q&A session at MKM Stadium at the beginning of this month.

"I'm not afraid, we have managed harder things. For us, this is more manageable. Now we are a Premier League team, the values [of the players] have risen up which is a good advantage."

Except Ilicali appears to have played his hand a little early, surrendering some of his bargaining power by openly admitting the clock is ticking.

However, he is confident that money can be raised by selling players the club will not need in the Premier League. Then they can turn to squad building next month.

Read the full article here

Marseille are open to offers for England midfielder Angel Gomes, with newly-promoted Premier League pair Coventry and Hull City among the clubs interested in the 25-year-old, who ended last season on loan at Wolves. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The World Cup may be less than a week old but the 2026-27 Premier League fixtures will be released on Friday.

And to get in the mood for Hull City's top-flight return, we want your stories of opening-day games that have stuck in your minds most - both the good and the bad.

Get in touch with your memories here

And make sure to come back to this page on Friday to see how the Tigers' league fixture list has fallen.

Ipswich and Hull City are interested in England goalkeeper Nick Pope, with Newcastle willing to sell the 34-year-old for £5m. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Matt Dean

Image source, Hull City FC

Hull City has unveiled its new shirt ahead of the club's return to the Premier League.

The club said it had entered into a multi-year partnership with Hull company Oxen Sports, replacing previous supplier Kappa Turkiye.

Returning to the HCAFC lettered logo for the first time in 47 years, the shirt will also pay homage to the historical kit from the 1978-79 season.

Lee Jenkinson, CEO of Oxen Sports, said he hoped the black and amber striped kit with a white collar would "resonate with supporters".

The HCAFC on the front is identical to the logo worn by legendary players such as Ken Wagstaff and Billy Bremner.

It is Oxen Sports' first Premier League shirt after producing kits for Lincoln City and Barnsley, as well as rugby league club Hull Kingston Rovers.

Read more here

Hull City have been linked to several players from the Croatian league so far this summer, and Croatian journalist Ivan Rencic has given an insight into which players would be best suited for the Premier League.

Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic has experience managing in the Croatian league and it appears as though he wants to use this expertise to reinforce his squad in the transfer window.

Speaking on BBC Radio Humberside, Renic said: "Jakirovic talked publicly to Croatian media stating that he wants to sign players from the Croatian league.

"He specifically stated Luka Stojkovic, Arber Hoxha, Rokas Pukstas and Toni Fruk - those are four out of the top five in the Croatian league currently. So if he manages to sign two of them, I think it will be a great, great job for Hull City in the Premier League next season. I hope he manages to do that.

"You will get familiar with one of them at the World Cup as Fruk is in the Croatia national team. Stojkovic is the most in-form player at the moment, he plays for Dinamo Zagreb. He had a really bad first part of the season but in the second part he exploded."

When asked whether these players would be Premier League ready, Rencic responded: "Stojkovic and Pukstas particularly are physically ready for the intensity of the Premier League. I'm not sure tactics-wise, intensity-wise, but physically they are very, very physical players. They run 12 to 13km a game and they cover a lot of the field a game, so I believe they can adapt.

"They will certainly need some time because the Premier League is the top league in the world, but I believe they can do it."

Listen to the full chat by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

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We asked for your views on which players Hull should keep, loan, and sell this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Jim: One player who has been on the fringes who should be kept and why? Eliot Matazo - he's been with us for two seasons. Signed from Monaco, his early form gave us reason to believe we'd uncovered a gem. He suffered an ACL injury after just six appearances in the 24-25 season. He had a long road back to fitness. At 24 years of age, he's young enough to make a comeback and make an impact. Delighted to see him celebrating on crutches at Wembley. Deserves his chance.

Bill: Stay - Oli McBurnie. Keep - Regan Slater. Sell - Semi Ajayi.

Craig: Keep Kyle Joseph as he is definitely one for the future if we get relegated. Loan out Matty Jacob to get some game time as he has been injured a lot. Sell Dylan Phillips as he is not a good enough keeper for the Premier League.

Andrew: I would loan out Matty Jacob as he needs games. He has a lovely left foot, reads the game well and just needs to realise he is better than he thinks he is. I would bring in Yu Hirakawa who due to injuries was on the fringes, but he delivered at Wembley. He is a Japanese international, disciplined, quick and shakes up defences.

Mike: On the fringes to keep is Cody Drameh. Although many wouldn't say he's a fringe player, he hasn't played as much as he'd have liked or had a full run in the team. We're yet to see his full potential. Player to loan out is Matty Jacob. Has potential to be a good left back but needs to mature and grow physically. Sell Abu Kamara - utter rubbish.

Sam: Keep - Cody Drameh. Has got a lot of ability, needs more minutes. Loan out - Mason Burstow. Sell - Kasey Palmer, Abu Kamara, Destan and Omur. They won't add quality to the squad that's needed for Premier League and will create more funds for better players.

Image source, Getty Images

The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Tigers selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.

The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.

Hull City's World Cup contingent:

• Liam Millar (Canada)

• Ivor Pandur (Croatia)

Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

Read more about the World Cup squads in numbers

Find out more about how to follow the competition on the BBC

Click here to download your World Cup 2026 wallchart