What does Slater’s signing mean now?
HAVE CITY FINISHED THEIR REVAMP FOR LEAGUE ONE?
It’s been a busy summer of incomings at the KCOM Stadium, with Hull City looking to freshen up their squad after relegation from the Championship. Boss Grant Mccann will have added eight new arrivals when the signing of Regan Slater is confirmed, the majority of which have helped the Tigers enjoy a fine start to the season.
Set to bring in Slater from Sheffield United, the question now will be is that City’s recruitment finished or can more be added in the final days before the domestic transfer window closes on October 16?
Here is the latest on Mccann’s plans to further enhance his squad...
What’s the boss said?
Speaking in the aftermath of Saturday’s fine 2-0 win at Sixfields, Mccann revealed that a Premier League midfielder was close to completing a loan move, with the Tigers having the option of making the move permanent.
“We’re very close to strengthening in midfield. We’re hoping a body will come in on Monday or Tuesday,” he told BBC Humberside.
“The medical has been done, all agreed but the paperwork hasn’t been signed yet and until that’s done, I’ll not be speaking any more on that. We’re pleased with the signing.”
So was that deal Mccann discussed Slater’s contract?
Yes. It’s unknown what the hold up was in confirming the loan deal for Slater. A medical was done last week with terms in place, but the paperwork wasn’t signed off until late yesterday, despite City’s wishes to get the move rubber stamped and announced.
What does it mean for the Ben Woodburn deal?
The Liverpool Echo were expecting the Tigers to win the race to sign the young Liverpool midfielder and they were not the only ones who expected to see Woodburn announced by the club.
Slater’s arrival doesn’t mean that deal definitely won’t happen, but it’s now very unlikely Mccann would sign another young midfielder given the options he now has at the club.
The 20-year-old shot to prominence at Anfield after making his debut at the age of 17, before scoring his first goal for the Reds in a Carabao Cup win over Leeds United just three days later.
Woodburn spent last season on loan at Oxford United, only to see much of his stay with the U’s curtailed by injury. He returned to feature for United in the end of season play-offs, and boss Karl Robinson was desperate to see him back at the Kassam Stadium this season, such was the impression he made.
Hasn’t Mccann ruled out one or two other reported targets?
In theory, yes, he has. Specifically Robbie Gotts at Leeds United and former Tiger Herbie Kane.
Mccann also ruled out an immediate move for Hakeeb Adelakun following the victory at Gillingham, and he’s since arrived - in the transfer window, things can change and move very quickly.
Robbie Gotts
The Leeds United midfielder is another linked with a move to the KCOM and came off the bench during City’s Carabao Cup success at Elland Road earlier this month.
Like Kane, Mccann appeared to rule out a move when asked on Saturday, who has also been attracting interest from Championship side Huddersfield.
Herbie Kane
Mccann is no stranger to Kane, having managed him at Doncaster before bringing him from Anfield to the KCOM last season.
His season ended prematurely in the East Riding, after he picked up a hamstring injury in the win over Middlesbrough.
Despite the City boss revealing after Saturday’s win at Northampton that Kane would not be the imminent arrival he revealed, Mccann had previously spoken of his desire to see the 21-year-old Bristolian come back to the club.
“We’d love to have him back with us next season,” Mccann said earlier this year.
“There’s no point hiding that. He’s everything that we need and everything that I like in a player - with his energy and bravery.
“He can score goals and he’s calm on the ball as well. We’d love to keep
him here next year - and possibly longer if we could.”
Randell Williams
The chances of the Exeter City winger arriving at the KCOM now look dead and buried following the arrival of Hakeeb Adelakun.
Williams has been one of the most talked about players during the transfer window in the EFL, with no shortage of interest.
However, after moves to City and Peterborough fell through, it looks like the 23-year-old will remain at St James’ Park, at least for a little while longer.
“Randell has come back and is our player. He missed a week of training, and it would have been wrong to throw him straight in. He has to prove he is a good enough player to get a better offer than that League One club,” said Grecians boss Matt Taylor last week.
“He has put himself on a pedestal so he has to go and show he is a good enough player, and he can only do that by putting his head down and doing it.
Why sign another midfielder?
The manager has spoken about his desire to secure the services of a number eight, somebody who can go box-to-box, have the ability to play through the thirds and link play up.
There’s also a desire for Mccann to have fluidity throughout his options, players that have the ability to operate in multiple positions and move around within a formation.
He does have options already in that part of the pitch and there’s
Dan Batty chomping at the bit to play his part, while Callum Jones is another for the future, though it is clear he’s after a very specific type.
“I’ve made no secret that we need another number eight in there. Midfield is no different to the forward line,” the Ulsterman said.
“We like people that can move, for example if we play a two under the ball - a two in midfield, we like players that play and adapt to that or if we play a one and a two, two eights and a number four, we like people that are adaptive to that as well.
“This lad is no different.”