Transfer: Hull City make ‘progress’ in chase of Super Eagles target

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has confirmed that the club is making progress in its attempt to sign Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, Soccernet.ng reports.

The newly promoted Premier League club has been in talks over the 22-year-old, who is one of the midfielders Jakirovic wants to add ahead of Hull's return to the top flight.

Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Jakirovic said negotiations with Everton were continuing and suggested Hull were encouraged by the midfielder's situation.

“I think there is progress in this player,” Jakirovic said.”I like how he is playing and he is very experienced. I think we need this profile for a midfielder and I hope we will sign him.”But, we will see. It could be a loan or permanent transfer. There is a lot of exchanging. He is in the last year of his contract which is an advantage for us.”

Why Iroegbunam is a key target for Hull

Hull's interest comes as Jakirovic prepares his squad for life in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship.

The manager wants a midfielder who can provide strength, speed and protection in front of the defence. He believes Lazio-linked Iroegbunam fits that role because of his physical power, ability to win challenges and experience of playing at the highest level in England.

The negotiations have not been straightforward. Everton initially wanted more money than Hull offered, but talks have continued as both clubs try to find an agreement.

Hull are also considering different ways of completing the deal. A permanent transfer is one option, while a loan arrangement, potentially with an obligation to buy, is another.

Iroegbunam's contract situation could help Hull. He is entering the final year of his Everton deal, meaning the Merseyside club faces the possibility of losing him for nothing next summer if a new agreement is not reached.

Interest has also been reported from Ipswich Town, Coventry City and clubs in Italy, making the race for his signature more complicated.

Iroegbunam joined Everton from Aston Villa in 2024 in a deal worth about £9m. His 2025-26 season was his busiest in the Premier League, with 29 appearances and 1,487 minutes of action. He also provided two assists.

The midfielder has played for England at youth level and was part of the side that won the European Under-19 Championship in 2022.

His international future is also of interest to Nigeria. Iroegbunam was born in England to Nigerian parents and is eligible to represent the Super Eagles. Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has been aware of his situation and has previously been linked with an approach for the midfielder. Reports in April said the player was open to discussing a possible switch, although Nigeria had yet to receive formal confirmation from him at that stage.

That makes his club future particularly important for the Super Eagles. A move to Hull would give Iroegbunam the chance to continue playing Premier League football while potentially moving closer to a decision over his international career.