Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has provided another cryptic update on the club's transfer dealings via social media, teasing more signings as the newly-promoted Premier League side finalized a club-record deal for goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Ilicali, known for his unconventional approach to club ownership, has been active on social media this transfer window. Last month, he initially raised eyebrows by posting a list of 14 potential transfers, including nationality clues and likelihood percentages for each. The club had already secured deals for Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, and Matt Targett prior to this.
In his latest update, posted early Wednesday, Ilicali revealed that 10 signings are now fully agreed, three previously teased deals have fallen through, and another eight potential moves are still in progress. He shared an 'upgraded version' of the club's transfer status, adding Japanese international Hidemasa Morita to the list of completed signings alongside Butland, Zambrano, and Targett.
Green ticks were reportedly placed next to flags representing Greece, Norway, Senegal, Australia, Sweden, and Jamaica, suggesting imminent announcements for players from these nations. While fans are hopeful these indicate upcoming arrivals, there is no guarantee they are the specific players referenced.
As of Wednesday morning, Hull City officially announced the signing of Olympiacos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis for a reported club-record fee of approximately £20 million plus add-ons. Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjerto Dahl, Senegalese defender Nobel Mendy, Australian player Lucas Herrington, Swedish left-back Elliot Stroud, and Jamaican international Leon Bailey have all been linked with moves to the club.
Ilicali also indicated that Hull City is pursuing deals for three French players, as well as individuals from England, Spain, Portugal, another from Japan, and one each from Turkey and Germany.
The owner has been vocal in addressing what he describes as "fake" transfer reports. He specifically refuted claims that Hull had made an offer for Real Madrid striker Carlos Espi, humorously stating, "Guys your club is big enough without making fake stories about Hull City. We never made any offer, we wish him the best in Real Madrid." This direct engagement with fans stems from frustration with what he called "dozens of false transfer rumors" early in the summer window, which he felt used the club's name for attention.
Ilicali stated his intention to share transfer updates directly with supporters to prevent speculation and provide more accurate information. He wrote to fans last month, "We have been working intensively for two months. I believe we will build a team that we will all be proud of."
Hull City secured promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs, with Oli McBurnie scoring a late winner in the Championship final against Middlesbrough. Their return to the top flight begins with a home match against Manchester United on August 22.