Hull City and Westerlo in discussions around potential Chelsea style model | OneFootball

Sacha Tavolieri has revealed that Hull City and Westerlo are in conversations about a partnership that would be similar to the one between Chelsea and Strasbourg. Recently promoted to the Premier League, Hull City are exploring the potential for Westerlo to become a Belgian partner that could act like Strasbourg do for Chelsea; a club where they can put players to develop before they return to play in the first team. Nothing has been agreed yet, but talks between Hull City and Westerlo are said to be ongoing.

Both clubs have Turkish owners, which makes it a natural fit. Moreover, Westerlo have already been operating in a way that would work with Hull City’s potential ambition; they sign young players in the hopes of developing and then selling them on. Over the past few seasons, since their return to the top flight of Belgian football, Westerlo have signed a number of young players from other Belgian clubs in the hopes of turning a profit. This year their squad has a number of players aged 21 or under, with a handful of more experienced players involved.

Already this summer they have sold Nacho Ferri to Feyenoord for a profit and Bryan Reynolds to French side Rennes. Emin Bayram, Josimar Alcocer and Arthur Piedfort all joined the clubs as young players and have been sold this summer. Hull City and Westerlo already have some form of a relationship, with striker Enis Destan having joined the Belgian side on loan last season. The 24-year-old had little impact in the three appearances he made.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson