Newly promoted Hull City has achieved a strong start to their Premier League campaign, securing seven points from their initial three games, a performance that positions them favorably to avoid a relegation battle. This early success marks a significant turnaround for a club that narrowly avoided relegation to League One on goal difference just last year.
The transformation of Hull City is largely attributed to the arrival of manager Jakirovic before the previous season. Despite the club being under a transfer embargo, which limited acquisitions to free transfers and loans, Jakirovic managed to make the team promotion contenders. He guided Hull to a play-off victory against Millwall and secured their return to the top flight with a last-gasp winner against Middlesbrough.
Hull City continued their aggressive team-building approach over the summer, becoming the busiest Premier League side with 18 new signings costing approximately £150 million. Six of these new players, including a £22 million midfield signing Tim Iroegbunam from Everton, were acquired on deadline day.
Jakirovic, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, acknowledged the challenge of integrating numerous new players, particularly those who missed pre-season training. He indicated that upcoming matches, such as the Carabao Cup tie against Sunderland, would be used to give these players valuable minutes and opportunities to prove themselves.