Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has taken the unusual step of publicly addressing what he calls "false transfer rumors," saying he is "disturbed" by claims that the club has been rejected by targets. In a social media post, the Turkish businessman attempted to clarify the situation by listing the Tigers' transfer progress with flags and percentages.
The outburst comes as Hull prepares for a return to the Premier League after a nine-year absence, having won the Championship play-off final in May. So far, the club has secured three signings: goalkeeper Jack Butland from Rangers, midfielder Oscar Zambrano from Maribor, and defender Matt Targett after his exit from Newcastle United.
“Hull City owner Ilicali hits back at false transfer rumors, reveals progress on deals including Japan's Hidemasa Morita.”
"We are reading dozens of false transfer rumors in many places," Ilicali wrote. "We are disturbed by the claims that we have been rejected and by the use of our club's name to gain attention. We have been working intensively for two months. I believe we will build a team that we will all be proud of."
To back his words, Ilicali posted a numbered list from one to 11. Butland, Zambrano and Targett appeared with ticks. Then, from four to 11, he placed national flags and percentages. At number four, the Japan flag sat at 99% — and BBC Radio Humberside sports editor Mike White has reported that Hull have agreed a deal for free agent midfielder Hidemasa Morita. Greece and Sweden were at 90%, while Australia, Croatia and Portugal each had 80%.
Manager Sergej Jakirovic earlier this month said the Tigers were close to completing a deal for Olympiakos goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis. Ilicali recently revealed the club had taken out a £55m bridging loan to be in a "strong financial position" and help with completing transfers.
The owner did not specify which reports he was referring to, but his message was clear: the club is moving forward. "To prevent false speculation and to give you more information, I am leaving you with our latest transfer situation, which includes some clues..." he wrote, leaving fans to decipher the percentages and flags as Hull build for the top flight.