Jakirović's Hull City Unbeaten in Turkey Preparations
Hull drew 1-1 with Kasimpasa in Istanbul, and former Rijeka striker Franjo Ivanović could soon become the Croatian coach's new signing.
Hull drew 1-1 with Kasimpasa in Istanbul, and former Rijeka striker Franjo Ivanović could soon become the Croatian coach's new signing.
Hull City, led by Croatian coach Sergej Jakirović, concluded their pre-season tour of Turkey unbeaten. In their final match, they played out a 1-1 draw against Turkish top-flight side Kasimpasa at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Stadium in Istanbul, confirming good form three weeks before their return to the Premier League.
The first half ended goalless, although chances existed at both ends. According to 24sata Sport, Hull was the more dangerous side, with efforts from Matt Crooks and Oliver McBurnie failing to find the net. Goalkeeper Jack Butland stood out with a save against Adrian Benedyczak on the other side of the pitch.
Kasimpasa took the lead in the 47th minute through a volley from Ben Ouanes. However, Hull City's response was swift. According to Sportklub, McBurnie leveled four minutes later, while 24sata Sport reports that the equalizer came three minutes after conceding. The assist came from Turkish midfielder Abdülkadir Ömür, and it was McBurnie's second goal of the pre-season.
The draw with Kasimpasa followed convincing wins over Konyaspor (3-0) and Rizespor (2-1), leaving Hull unbeaten in all three matches against Turkish top-flight sides. Jakirović's side now returns to England, where they will play two more friendlies before the season starts: against Eintracht Frankfurt on August 8 and Nice on August 15.
They open their league campaign on August 22 with a home match against Manchester United, which will be a major test for the "Tigers" in their return to the Premier League.
While the team prepares on the pitch, news from Portugal suggests a potential new signing. According to Portuguese media reports carried by Novi list, former Rijeka striker Franjo Ivanović is on the verge of joining Hull City. The transfer is expected to be a paid loan with an obligation to buy, with Benfica set to earn at least €25 million.
Ivanović joined Benfica last summer from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for €22.8 million. In his first season with the Portuguese club, he made 42 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing two assists. Prior to that, at Rijeka under Jakirović's guidance, he scored 16 goals and assisted four times in 51 appearances, after which Rijeka sold him for €4 million. Betis, Galatasaray, and Como were also reportedly interested in him.
