Hull City readying contract action for £8k-a-week star as Middlesbrough lurk | OneFootball

The Tigers are keen to retain the services of Ivor Pandur.

Hull City are preparing to table a new contract for goalkeeper Ivor Pandur in a bid to fend off mounting interest from other clubs, including Middlesbrough.

The Croatian, who only arrived at the MKM Stadium in January 2024, has quickly established himself as a key figure for the Tigers, attracting attention from both Championship rivals and top-flight sides abroad.

Pandur, 25, enjoyed a standout debut season in East Yorkshire, claiming the club’s Player of the Season award despite Hull enduring a turbulent 2024/25 campaign.

The Tigers narrowly avoided relegation following a dramatic post-Liam Rosenior slump, but Pandur’s form remained a bright spot.

Reports from Italy earlier in the year also linked the Croat with a return to Serie A, where he previously featured for Hellas Verona, while Middlesbrough are among the English clubs monitoring his situation.

Hull City prepare fresh Pandur contract as Middlesbrough take keen interest

Nixon reports on Sunday that Hull are keen to secure Pandur’s future with improved terms, conscious of the growing list of admirers for their star goalkeeper.

Middlesbrough are believed to have placed the Croatian on their shortlist, but the player is said to be happy to remain at Hull despite the club’s ongoing financial restrictions under the EFL’s watch.

While Hull’s spending is currently capped at around £1 million per-year for individual salaries, Nixon notes their position is less severe than other EFL-monitored clubs.

That could give them scope to offer Pandur a deal attractive enough to ward off potential suitors.

As per Capology's estimates, the Tigers star is said to be earning £8k-a-week at the MKM Stadium, and is contracted with the club until the summer of 2027.

That would mean that should Middlesbrough - or any other interested club for that matter - firm up their interest with an official approach, then Hull would be in a strong position to retain his services, or at least hold out for a significant transfer fee.

Hull City must keep Pandur for the sake of their Championship survival push

With new head coach Sergej Jakirović at the helm and owner Acun Ilicali’s ambitions undimmed, Hull City will be looking to move up the table this season.

Keeping Pandur would be a major boost to those aspirations, particularly given his proven reliability and shot-stopping pedigree.

Losing such an influential figure in the Tigers' set-up would leave a significant gap to fill, especially after a season where defensive stability was hard to come by.

Interest from England and Italy underlines Pandur’s rising stock, and while Hull’s intent to keep him is clear, they may face an uphill battle to resist a substantial bid.