Report: Hull City in talks to sign midfielder in £10m deal | OneFootball

Hull City Transfer News: Toni Fruk Talks Continue Amid Ajax Interest

Hull City are in active discussions over a move for Toni Fruk, with the newly promoted Premier League club exploring the conditions of a possible deal for the Rijeka attacking midfielder. As first reported by TeamTalk, the Tigers remain firmly in the picture, though the situation appears more open and competitive than some early noise suggested.

Fruk, 25, has emerged as a serious target as Hull look to strengthen their creative options ahead of a demanding return to the top flight. The Croatia star has built a strong reputation with Rijeka for his vision, invention and attacking output, and he fits the profile of player Hull are seeking as they prepare for the Premier League.

Toni Fruk race gathering pace

There is clear interest, but sources close to the situation are urging caution. As one Rijeka insider put it, “A deal is not as close as people are making out,” which underlines the reality that talks remain at an early stage. Hull are not alone either. Serious interest has also been registered by “two other Premier League clubs, alongside Dutch giants Ajax”, with all four teams making contact in recent days.

Photo: IMAGO

That level of competition matters. It pushes up the difficulty of any negotiations and increases the need for Hull to move decisively if they want to land their man. Rijeka are expected to stand firm on valuation, with the Croatian club seeking a fee in the region of £8-10 million for one of their most important players, despite Fruk entering the final year of his contract.

Hull City recruitment plan taking shape

Hull’s interest in Fruk is part of a wider summer strategy. After promotion, the club are focused on adding quality across key areas, and creativity in midfield appears high on the agenda. The report states that “the Tigers are keen to add multiple new faces over the coming weeks as they look to build a competitive squad capable of survival in the top flight.”

There is another significant layer here. Manager Sergej Jakirovic is understood to know Fruk well from their time together at Rijeka and “sees him as a natural fit for the creative role he wants to fill.” That existing relationship may help Hull’s case, especially with Fruk said to be open to working with him again.

Ajax interest adds pressure

Even so, this is not a straightforward pursuit. Fruk is expected to handle the situation professionally and “will not disrespect Rijeka”, where he has made 139 appearances and scored 32 goals. For Hull, any breakthrough will likely depend on matching the asking price and persuading the player that this is the correct next step.

For now, the picture is clear enough. Hull are in talks, Ajax are involved, Premier League rivals are watching, and Toni Fruk looks increasingly likely to be on the move this summer.

Our View

From a Hull City perspective, this is exactly the sort of report that gets people excited. Fruk sounds like a player with genuine craft and end product, and those are the kind of signings supporters want to see after promotion. If the club are serious about staying in the Premier League, they need more than effort and spirit. They need players who can change games, unlock deep defences and give the side composure in the final third.

The most encouraging part is Jakirovic’s apparent view of him. If the manager already knows the player and believes he is “a natural fit for the creative role he wants to fill,” that should give everyone confidence. Too often promoted clubs sign names without a clear role in mind. This feels more targeted and more intelligent.

Of course, £8-10 million is not a small fee, especially with Ajax and other Premier League clubs involved. But if Hull want to establish themselves, this is the market they have to enter. Supporters will also like hearing that Fruk has proven numbers, with 32 goals in 139 games, because that suggests he can offer more than tidy passing.

If Acun Ilicali’s Croatian flag really was a hint, then fans will hope it becomes one of the summer’s better teasers. There is still work to do, and nobody should assume it is done, but this feels like an ambitious move. Hull City are back in the big time, and a signing like Toni Fruk would send a real message.