Hull City transfers: Acun Ilıcalıs cryptic list decoded as 11 deals revealed

Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı teases 11 signings with cryptic social media list

Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı has teased a list of potential new signings, whilst also rubbishing a host of false rumours which have appeared across the internet. The Tigers have already announced three signings this summer and are expected to add Japan international Hidemasa Morita in the next 48 hours.

Date: Thursday 24 July 2026 (announcement of Matt Targett and Ilıcalı's social media post)
Competition: Premier League (2026/27 season)
Key fact: Hull City have signed Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano and Matt Targett so far this summer
Key fact: Japan international Hidemasa Morita is expected to arrive in Slovenia within 48 hours
Key fact: Owner Acun Ilıcalı listed 11 potential deals with percentage clues on social media
Key fact: A move for Rennes and Switzerland striker Breel Embolo will not happen due to wage demands

What was said

"Dear Hull City family, We are reading dozens of false transfer rumours in many places. 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. To prevent false speculation and to give you more information, I am leaving you with our latest transfer situation, which includes some clues."
— Acun Ilıcalı, Hull City owner

The numbers: Ilıcalı's cryptic list decoded

Ilıcalı attached the national flag of each player, along with a percentage sign indicating how far down the line each deal is. Here is the full list as posted, with Hull Live's understanding of who each deal is:

Japan 99% = Hidemasa Morita
Portugal 80% = Unknown
Greece 90% = Konstantinos Tzolakis
Senegal 70% = Unknown, believed to be a forward
Australia 80% = Unknown
Sweden 90% = Elliot Stroud
France 70% = Kevin Danois
Japan 60% = Kodai Sano
Croatia 80% = Marco Palasic
Jamaica 70% = Leon Bailey
Turkey/Germany 70% = Unknown

Hull Live reported on Thursday that the club were close to a deal with Orlando City for Marco Palasic, while a deal for Olympiacos goalkeeper Tzolakis and Swedish wing-back Elliot Stroud remains close. City remain in discussions with French side Auxerre over a deal for Kevin Danois, in what would almost certainly take a club record transfer agreement surpassing the £13.2m they paid in 2016 to sign Ryan Mason from Tottenham Hotspur.

Despite speculation elsewhere, City will not be making a move for Rennes and Switzerland striker Breel Embolo at this time due to the player's wage demands, which would shatter City's wage structure significantly.

Analysis: What Ilıcalı's list tells us about Hull City's summer plans

Acun Ilıcalı's decision to publish a list of 11 potential deals with percentage clues is a rare move from a club owner. It serves two purposes: it gives supporters concrete information amid a sea of speculation, and it pushes back against claims that the club has been rejected by targets. The percentages suggest that some deals are virtually done, such as Morita at 99%, while others remain at the discussion stage.

The list also reveals the scale of Hull City's ambition. A move for Kevin Danois would surpass the club record £13.2m paid for Ryan Mason in 2016, indicating that the Tigers are prepared to spend significant sums to strengthen for the Premier League. The interest in Leon Bailey, a Jamaica international with Premier League experience, further underlines that intent.

However, the collapse of a move for Breel Embolo due to wage demands shows that the club will not break its wage structure. That is a sensible approach, but it may limit the calibre of players Hull City can attract. The unnamed players from Portugal, Senegal, Australia and Turkey/Germany add an element of mystery, but also suggest that the club is casting its net wide.

Talking points

Ilıcalı's transparency: Publishing a list of deals with percentages is unusual, but it gives fans a clear idea of what to expect and counters false rumours.
Record transfer: The potential deal for Kevin Danois would surpass the £13.2m paid for Ryan Mason in 2016, showing Hull City's willingness to invest.
Wage structure: The decision not to pursue Breel Embolo due to wage demands demonstrates the club's financial discipline.

What happens next

Hull City are expected to complete the signing of Hidemasa Morita within the next 48 hours, with the Japan international set to arrive in Slovenia. The club remains in talks over the other deals listed by Ilıcalı, with some close to completion. Further announcements are anticipated as the Premier League season approaches.

Frequently asked questions

Who have Hull City signed so far this summer?

Hull City have signed Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano and Matt Targett. Matt Targett was announced as their third signing on Thursday morning.

Which players are Hull City close to signing?

According to Hull Live, deals for Olympiacos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and Swedish wing-back Elliot Stroud remain close. A deal for Orlando City's Marco Palasic is also close, and talks with Auxerre over Kevin Danois continue.

Why is Hull City not signing Breel Embolo?

Hull City will not be making a move for Rennes and Switzerland striker Breel Embolo at this time due to the player's wage demands, which would shatter the club's wage structure significantly.