Mccann: Losing Hakeeb is a blow
CITY STEP UP SEARCH FOR WINGER’S REPLACEMENT
Hakeeb Adelakun’s sudden departure from Hull City this week will see the club step up their efforts to sign a replacement, according to head coach Grant Mccann. Adelakun’s season long loan at the KCOM Stadium was cut short following the 2-0 win over Charlton on Saturday, a game which saw the 24-year-old net his third goal in 17 outings since arriving in late summer.
Bristol City boss Dean Holden opted to recall Adelakun along with a number of other Robins players who were out on loan, in what Mccann described as a blow to his promotion hopefuls.
City, who face a rearranged visit to Sunderland tomorrow night, are keen to get their transfer business done early in the month, with Mccann revealing conversations with new recruits had already taken place with a view to getting some deals over the line, though the Mail understands there is unlikely to be a new arrival imminently.
“It’s a blow for us,” Mccann said at his preSunderland press conference.
“We felt like he was in a good place but this can happen with loan agreements and their manager was disappointed to bring him away from us as he was enjoying his football here, but I hope he goes back and gets into that Bristol City team.”
City have James Scott and Thomas Mayer as natural replacements for Adelakun, though neither have grabbed their opportunity so far this season, while Keane Lewis-potter is described as ‘touch and go’ for tomorrow and Martin Samuelsen remains sidelined through injury, so the manager is acutely aware of the need to add sooner rather than later.
“One thing I do know now is we need to replace Hakeeb now,” Mccann explained.
“We’ve got some irons in the fire and I’ve had some good conversations with some players who are very keen on joining us.
“It’s picking the right one and making sure everything is right for both clubs and the player.
“These things take time, the recruitment team and myself are working very hard on trying to replace Haks and we understand we need to replace him - the group needs that bit of help.
“Hopefully it’s not too long before it falls in place.”