Acun Ilıcalı reveals Hull City's Premier League plan

Hull City Chairman Acun Ilıcalı made notable statements regarding the new season's planning during a press conference held after the club's promotion to the Premier League. Stating that they have been conducting comprehensive work based on the head coach's tactical approach for the transfer window, Ilıcalı said they aim to add 16 players to the squad.

Expressing that reaching the Premier League is a great source of pride for him, Ilıcalı said, "I cannot describe the pride I feel standing before you today as the chairman of Hull City, a club I bought four years ago with a dream, now promoted to the Premier League. It is a source of great pride and happiness for me."

Emphasizing that they are working with a large team on transfer planning, Ilıcalı stated that they have identified the profiles requested by the technical staff. Ilıcalı remarked, "We will bring in 80 percent of the players we dream of. It might be a surprising number, but we will bring in 16 players. If we succeed, we will build our dream squad."

NAMES STANDING OUT IN TRANSFERS

Ilıcalı said that Hull City's transfer list includes both young prospects and players with Premier League experience. Explaining that one of their primary targets is Nobel Mendy, Ilıcalı assessed the young center-back as "a very, very big potential. He is an important center-back that our entire team wants very much."

Stating that they are also nearing the end of their goalkeeper transfer, Ilıcalı announced that Konstantinos Tzolakis will be in Istanbul this evening to sign a contract. Saying that the Nobel Mendy transfer could be completed within 5-6 days, Ilıcalı also gave the message that the Leon Bailey situation "will be concluded soon."

The Hull City Chairman also stated that their list includes a Turkish footballer from Europe, rather than from Turkey. Noting that Eren Mert, who left Trabzonspor, is on their agenda, Ilıcalı said they are open to the player's European dream.

''TURKEY IS NOT ATTRACTIVE IN TERMS OF TRANSFERS''

Speaking about the Turkish market, Ilıcalı stated that salary levels in the Süper Lig have risen and that Hull City is largely closed to the Turkish League. While saying, "Turkey is currently not attractive in terms of transfers," Ilıcalı explained that their focus in the Premier League is on potential players in the 21-23 age range.

Touching upon Amir Hadziahmetovic, who played for Hull City last season, Ilıcalı stated that the Bosnian footballer played an important role in the promotion to the Premier League and praised him as "an excellent professional."

Drawing a cautious roadmap for the club's long-term goals, Ilıcalı said their first objective is to remain in the Premier League. "If we stay in the league this season, we could become a Brighton or a Brentford. That is our entire focus," said Ilıcalı, noting that the foundation of their success lies in a strong family environment and choosing the right character.

Responding to a question during the press conference regarding the cancellation of his private box at Fenerbahçe, Ilıcalı stated that he wanted the meeting to remain focused on Hull City and that he did not wish to speak on that subject.

News Source: 12punto