news-engine

Hull City transfer news: Defender next after club record deal Hull City are expected to complete the signing of defender Nobel Mendy next after the club record arrival of Konstantinos Tzolakis signalled a stepping up of their recruitment drive. The 23-year-old Greece goalkeeper has joined from Olympiacos for a fee which, whilst undisclosed, is thought to be in the region of £20m. Next, 21-year-old Senegal defender Mendy is set to arrive from Rayo Vallecano for an initial £17m plus add-ons. Hull’s owner/chairman Acun Ilicali has targeted 14 new signings, but until the arrival of nine-cap Tzolakis on a five-year contract, only Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano Hidemasa Morita and Matt Targett had signed up. The arrival of Tzolakis is set to relegate Butland to the role of back-up goalkeeper. Plenty more deals are thought to be in the pipeline, however, with Hull’s return to the Premier League starting at home to Manchester United on August 22. “It’s a big honour to join Hull City,” said Tzolakis, signed in time to make his Hull debut in Saturday’s friendly at Eintracht Frankfurt. “I am ready for a new chapter in my career. “With Olympiacos, I had a successful career with a Conference League title, championship and a cup, also European games and Champions League. “Hull City is something different because we are playing in the Premier League. We have to fight against top players, so it’s a challenge for me. “I feel ready. I will give everything I have every single day in training to help our team to achieve its goals.” Tzolakis saved three penalties as Olympiacos won the 2023-24 UEFA Conference League after a penalty shoot-out against Fenerbahce, the club Ilicali supports. The following season saw him named the Greek Super League Player and Goalkeeper of the Season. He made nine Champions League appearances last season. Senegal-born Mendy moved to France a decade ago and began his career with Paris FC before moving to Spain with Real Betis, then Vallecano. He can play as a left-back but was mainly used in central defence by Vallecano. An aggressive defender, he is noted for his passing, particularly long diagonal balls. Despite making his Senegal debut in March, he was not selected for this summer’s World Cup.