What will Tobias bring to the table for the Tigers?
FIGUEIREDO CAN BECOME A KEY FIGURE FOR CITY
Hull City look to be closing in on another big signing this summer as the club are in talks with Nottingham Forest defender Tobias Figueiredo. The 28-year-old will become a free agent when his contract at the newly-promoted club expires at the end of the month, and the Mail understands discussions will take place and a move to the MKM Stadium is likely.
Figueiredo looks set to become the fourth major signing of the summer, with Allahyar Sayyadmanesh - who impressed on loan last season - and Ozan Tufan both joining from Fenerbahce, while Mali international Adama Traore will join from Hatayspor on a free transfer.
The centre-back played the full 90 minutes for Steve Cooper’s side on the final day clash at the MKM, but City fans might not be clear on exactly what they’re getting, so here the Mail has got everything they need to know.
Who is Tobias Figueiredo?
Figueiredo spent five seasons at Nottingham Forest, signing initially on a half-season loan before a permanent deal from Sporting Lisbon in July 2018.
He made 122 appearances across all competitions for the Championship club, including 26 in last season’s promotion campaign.
The defender represented Portugal throughout the different youth categories from under-15 to under-21 level, but never managed to win a cap for the senior side.
Playing style
The ex-forest man is a no-nonsense, combative centre-back who has proven a consistently difficult opponent for second-tier forwards.
Under Cooper last season, he played in the middle of a back-three but he can also play in a flat back four.
Figueiredo’s physical style bodes well for Championship football, and he has been a thorn in the side of many strikers, going toeto-toe physically and marking them out of a game.
The Portuguese will always give 100 per cent but does have a tendency to commit errors and can over commit against more experienced forwards, but he is undoubtedly a top-level Championship defender and will be a great addition to Shota Arveladze’s backline.
What’s been said about the move?
City fans are understandably excited about the prospective new signing, including the Mail’s own Barry Cooper.
He tweeted: “Have seen an awful lot of Figueiredo when covering Forest. Powerful, athletic, no-nonsense type of defender who understands the Championship. Very good pedigree at this level. #hcafc “
@_journotom added: “For the first time in many years, it feels like we mean business in a transfer window. Tobias Figueiredo is just the latest in a list of players we’re in talks to sign, who would significantly improve a position in the squad. Seri, Tufan, Traore, Twine... very exciting #hcafc “
Equally telling is the reaction of Forest fans, who have watched Figueiredo.
@Robchappell1 said: “Great signing for
Hull if it’s true, gives his all in every game.”
@fletch131072 tweeted: “If that’s true it’s a cracking signing. Was magnificent for us when deputising for Cook. Was convinced he was heading back to Portugal though.”