Hull City Plans Six-Man Overhaul as Wahi Rejects Move

Hull City’s summer is starting to look less like a gentle rebuild and more like a full-scale refit.

Club correspondent Barry Cooper reports that the Tigers are weighing up as many as six more arrivals before the window closes, with the move for Fiorentina defender Niccolo Fortini only the start of an aggressive push to arm Sergej Jakirovic for life back in the Premier League.

The plan is clear: another goalkeeper, a midfielder, a winger and at least two forwards. Depth everywhere. Goals and pace at the top of the list.

Wahi says no as Nice return takes priority

One major attacking target is already off the table.

Eintracht Frankfurt forward Elye Wahi has rejected the chance to join Hull, according to reports from Germany and France. The 23-year-old cost Frankfurt £25million when he arrived from Marseille in January 2025, but his time with The Eagles has stalled badly – just one goal in 25 appearances tells its own story.

His loan spell at Nice last season was a very different tale. Nine goals in 19 Ligue 1 games, a key role in keeping the club in the French top flight, and his reputation quickly repaired. French outlet L’Equipe now say Wahi is prioritising a return to Nice, despite approaches from Hull and Lazio.

Hull move on. The shortlist is long, and it is getting longer by the day.

Nakamura, Hernandez and a widening net

From France, fresh names are being tied to the Tigers’ recruitment drive.

Reims winger Keito Nakamura is understood to be a firm target, with City working on adding a wide forward to Jakirovic’s options. Foot Mercato report that Hull have placed Nakamura and Deportivo La Coruna’s Yeremay Hernandez on their shortlist, with the pair valued at a combined £31million.

Crucially, it is claimed City have already made contact with Nakamura’s representatives. That is not background interest. That is a move being explored.

Hernandez, operating in La Liga with Deportivo, adds another profile to the mix – a younger, technically sharp wide option who fits the club’s push for players with resale value and room to grow.

Fortini deal advances as defensive work continues

At the back, Hull’s interest in Niccolo Fortini has gathered pace.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that City have joined the race for the Fiorentina defender, who has also been linked with Bournemouth. Talks between the clubs are said to centre on a loan with an option to buy, with the interest from Hull described as “serious”.

Sections of the Italian press go further, suggesting a deal is “close”. Hull see Fortini as a key piece in reshaping their defensive line for the demands of the Premier League, and they are pushing to get it done.

Toure and Njinmah in the frame up front

The hunt for firepower does not end with Wahi’s rejection. Far from it.

Hull have reportedly joined the race to sign Norwich City forward Mohamed Toure. Journalist Rudi Galetti claims the Tigers and Porto are both keen on the Australia international, with City exploring ways to strengthen their forward line.

In Germany, Werder Bremen attacker Justin Njinmah is another name on the radar. Sport Bild report that Hull, Fiorentina and Southampton are all tracking the 25-year-old, while Marseille are also watching developments. No price tag has yet been made public, but competition for his signature is already building.

Pace, versatility, age profile – Njinmah ticks several of the boxes Hull are clearly targeting.

Pedersen pursuit shows Hull’s intent

One chase underlines just how hard Hull are prepared to push.

Torino’s Marcus Holmgren Pedersen has emerged as a major target, as first reported by Barry Cooper. The Norway international, who shone for his country at the World Cup earlier this summer, has caught the eye with his energy and quality on the right flank.

Hull have already seen a €5m (£4.3m) bid rejected by the Serie A club, but Pedersen has been identified as a priority ahead of the Tigers’ Premier League return. Officially listed as a right-back, he offers the kind of athletic, front-foot profile Jakirovic wants in wide defensive areas.

The message from the MKM Stadium is unmistakable. Hull are not content just to survive back in the top flight. They are trying to build a squad that can run with the division’s pace, not chase it.

Six more signings is an ambitious target. If the Tigers land even most of them, this will be a very different Hull City by the time the window slams shut.