Hull City transfer reports labelled false amid €10m winger talk

Hull City are not pursuing a €10m move for Irfan Can Kahveci, despite claims circulating over the past 24 hours suggesting a deal had already been agreed.

Speculation linking the Fenerbahçe winger with a January switch to the MKM Stadium gathered pace after a report in Spain claimed Hull City had reached an agreement with the Turkish giants. However, respected journalist Mike White has firmly dismissed those suggestions, stating that sources inside the club have branded the story as entirely inaccurate.

No deal in place for Kahveci

According to White, Hull City have not entered negotiations for Kahveci and there is no truth to claims that an agreement is already in place. The rumours appear to have emerged without substance, despite being widely shared online.

Hull City are once again preparing for a challenging winter transfer window, operating under strict financial limitations. The club remain unable to pay transfer fees until the summer, forcing them to be creative in the market. As a result, any suggestion of a €10m signing was always likely to raise eyebrows.

Instead, the Tigers are expected to continue the strategy that served them well during the summer, relying on loans, free transfers, and short-term solutions as they look to strengthen their squad while maintaining financial discipline.

January approach shaped by restrictions

Despite their limitations, Hull City recruited smartly in the previous window, adding experience and depth without committing to major fees. That approach is set to continue as they push to stay competitive and remain in contention for the Championship play-offs.

While Kahveci will not be arriving in East Yorkshire, Hull have been linked with several wide players in recent days, suggesting that reinforcements in attacking areas remain a priority for head coach and recruitment staff.

Kahveci’s career background

Kahveci is one of the more recognisable attacking midfielders in Turkish football, having built a strong reputation over the past decade. He came through the youth ranks at Gençlerbirliği, gaining valuable senior experience during a loan spell with Hacettepe before becoming a regular in Gençlerbirliği’s first team.

His development earned him a move to İstanbul Başakşehir in 2017, where he truly made his name. Kahveci became a key figure in the side that claimed a historic Süper Lig title in the 2019/20 season, contributing goals, creativity and versatility across midfield.

That success attracted interest from Turkey’s biggest clubs, and in January 2021 he completed a high-profile move to Fenerbahçe. Since joining the Istanbul giants, he has remained an important squad player, featuring regularly in domestic competitions and European fixtures, while contributing with goals and assists.

Kahveci has also established himself at international level, earning consistent call-ups to the Turkey national team, where he is viewed as one of the more technically gifted midfielders of his generation.

Owner admiration fuels speculation

Although there has never been a direct professional connection between Kahveci and Hull City owner Acun Ilıcalı, the Turkish media personality has spoken positively about the player in the past. That admiration has occasionally sparked transfer speculation linking the two, but such rumours have never progressed beyond talk.

In this case, the supposed Hull City move appears to be another example of that speculation gaining traction without any concrete foundation.

Hull City’s winger shortage

Despite the Kahveci link being dismissed, Hull City’s need for reinforcements out wide is very real. Recent developments have left the Tigers dangerously short in the winger department.

Algerian wide man Mohamed Belloumi was forced off during the Boxing Day draw with Sheffield Wednesday and has since been ruled out for around three months, another frustrating setback following previous injury issues.

There has also been talk of David Akintola potentially returning to Turkey in January, which would further reduce Hull’s options. With Belloumi sidelined and uncertainty surrounding Akintola, Hull are currently left with Liam Millar and Joel Ndala as their only fully fit wide players.

January signing still likely

Given the circumstances, it would be no surprise if Hull City explore the market for a winger in January. However, any move is far more likely to involve a loan deal or free transfer, rather than a high-profile, high-cost signing.

While Irfan Can Kahveci will not be heading to the Championship, Hull City are expected to remain active behind the scenes as they look for creative solutions to strengthen their squad and maintain momentum in the second half of the season.