Jakirovic hails instant impact of Bristol City loanee as Hull plan further moves

Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic has spoken positively about the club’s latest addition as the Tigers prepare for further activity in the January transfer window.

When asked about the possibility of bringing in winger Yu Hirakawa, Jakirovic made it clear there was no hesitation on his part. The Japanese international arrived on loan from Championship rivals Bristol City earlier this week and wasted no time in making an impression on both his manager and the Hull supporters.

Hirakawa was introduced at half-time during Tuesday night’s trip to Preston North End and played a decisive role in Hull’s commanding 3–0 victory at Deepdale. Within minutes of stepping onto the pitch, he chased down a loose ball on the flank before delivering a pinpoint cross that Oli McBurnie converted acrobatically, effectively sealing the win for the Tigers. The result lifted Hull into fourth place in the Championship and continued their impressive run of form away from home.

His arrival has come at an ideal moment for Hull, particularly with Darko Gyabi ruled out for an extended period due to a groin injury. The loss of Gyabi left Jakirovic short of options in wide and advanced positions, making Hirakawa’s signing all the more significant.

Speaking after the match, Jakirovic explained that the decision to sign the winger was an easy one. “As soon as Jared Dublin offered him to me, I knew straight away he was the right option,” he said. “I told him I would take him because we’re lacking that type of player in those positions due to injuries. He gives us more attacking options because he can play two or three different roles, and he’s ready to contribute.”

Jakirovic also highlighted the importance of Hirakawa’s familiarity with the Championship. He believes the winger’s knowledge of the league will allow him to make an immediate impact without the usual adjustment period that comes with mid-season signings. “He’s already in rhythm, which is very important for us,” Jakirovic added. “He knows the league, the clubs, and the environment, so there’s no need for adaptation. That helps us a lot.”

ON TARGET: Hull City new signing Yu Hirakawa celebrates with team-mate Oliver McBurnie (centre) after the visitors’ third goal of the game against Preston at Deepdale, Preston. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA

The Hull boss also drew on his previous experience of working with Japanese players during his time at Dinamo Zagreb, where he coached two players from Japan. He praised their professionalism and work ethic, qualities he believes Hirakawa also possesses. “Japanese players have a very high work rate and are extremely professional,” Jakirovic said. “Yu speaks good English, which is perfect. I understand Japanese players – they’re quick, agile, and technically very strong with both feet.”

Beyond Hirakawa’s arrival, Hull City are continuing to work on other deals. Jakirovic confirmed that progress is being made on a potential loan move for Manchester United defensive midfielder Toby Collyer. The 22-year-old is expected to join before the weekend, with the club hopeful the deal will be completed in time for Saturday’s home fixture against Swansea City.

There could also be movement in the opposite direction, with attacking midfielder Kasey Palmer close to a loan switch to Luton Town. The Jamaica international is keen to secure regular playing time ahead of important World Cup qualifiers in March. Jakirovic acknowledged the situation, noting the intense competition for places in midfield at Hull. “He has an offer from Luton, and it’s very important for him with the World Cup qualifiers coming up,” he said. “There are no minutes available for him here at the moment because of the competition in the middle.”

With new faces settling in and further changes expected, Hull City appear well placed as they continue their push near the top end of the Championship table.

Lampard Decision Sparks Coventry City Transfer Move For ‘Super Exciting’ Attacker

Coventry City have confirmed a notable January transfer departure after young forward Justin Obikwu acknowledged that the time was right for a new challenge in his career.

The Sky Blues striker has completed a move to Queens Park Rangers after head coach Frank Lampard approved his exit, with the deal understood to be worth around £500,000. The decision marks a fresh chapter for the promising attacker, who believes the switch is an important step in his long-term development.

Speaking after the move was finalised, Obikwu admitted that the opportunity to join QPR immediately caught his attention. The 20-year-old revealed that once he learned of the club’s interest, he felt it was a destination that matched both his ambitions and his next phase of growth as a footballer.

He explained that everything he had been told about QPR appealed to him, from the people behind the scenes to the supporters, facilities, stadium and overall environment. According to Obikwu, the club’s vision aligns closely with where he sees himself going as a player, making the decision feel like a natural progression rather than a gamble.

The striker also spoke openly about the need for change, suggesting that a fresh setting was essential for him to continue improving. While grateful for his time at Coventry City, Obikwu acknowledged that another stepping stone was required if he was to fulfil his potential, and QPR presented the right platform at the right moment.

From Coventry’s perspective, the move comes as part of Frank Lampard’s ongoing squad management during the transfer window. Lampard has been assessing both immediate needs and long-term planning since taking charge, and Obikwu’s departure reflects a willingness to allow young players to move on when opportunities for regular progression may be clearer elsewhere.

At QPR, excitement around the signing has been clear. Chief executive Christian Nourry spoke glowingly about the club’s newest addition, describing Obikwu as a highly promising attacking profile. Nourry highlighted the forward’s blend of raw pace and composed finishing, traits that QPR believe can be developed further within their system.

He also praised Obikwu’s intelligence and attitude, stressing that the striker has shown a genuine commitment to improving every aspect of his game. According to Nourry, that mindset was a key factor behind QPR’s decision to move quickly to secure his signature, as the club looks to invest in players with both talent and the right mentality.

For Obikwu, the move represents more than just a transfer fee or a change of shirt. It is a chance to reset, refocus and push himself in a new environment where expectations and opportunities may help accelerate his development.

As Coventry City continue to shape their squad under Lampard and QPR look to build for the future, the deal could prove beneficial for all parties involved. For now, Obikwu departs the CBS Arena believing he has taken the right step, while both clubs turn their attention to what lies ahead in a crucial stage of the season.

Coventry City forward poised for move to Championship rivals

Coventry City are preparing to sanction a permanent transfer for young striker Justin Obikwu, with Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers emerging as the leading destination for the 21-year-old.

The Sky Blues have opted to recall Obikwu from his season-long loan at Lincoln City as they look to secure him a move elsewhere during the current transfer window. Coventry are understood to have agreed a deal in principle with QPR, which would see the forward move to Loftus Road for an initial fee in the region of £500,000.

Justin Obikwu – pictured here during pre-season training at Coventry City’s Ryton training ground last summer – could be heading to QPR(Image: )

Obikwu has spent the first half of the campaign on loan with League One high-flyers Lincoln City, where opportunities have been limited. Despite the Imps pushing near the top of the table, the striker managed just four league starts alongside 13 substitute appearances, scoring three goals in total. With regular minutes proving hard to come by, Coventry have decided that a permanent switch would better serve the player’s development.

According to reports, discussions between Coventry and QPR have progressed positively, with the West London club keen to bolster their attacking options. While personal terms are still to be finalised and other clubs are monitoring the situation, Obikwu is believed to be edging closer to a return to the capital, where he grew up.

QPR currently sit mid-table in the Championship, placed 11th with 39 points, and view Obikwu as a player with long-term potential who could add depth and energy to their forward line. The move would represent a significant step up for the striker, who is yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for Coventry City.

Obikwu’s journey in the professional game began after he joined Coventry’s academy as an Under-18 player from non-league outfit Harefield United. He quickly impressed at youth level and signed his first professional contract with the club in 2023, featuring predominantly for the Under-21 side.

To aid his progression, Coventry arranged a pair of loan spells with League Two side Grimsby Town, where Obikwu gained valuable senior experience. Those stints paved the way for his move to Lincoln City last summer, as the Sky Blues hoped regular football in League One would accelerate his development.

Although his time at Lincoln did not result in a consistent starting role, the experience is still viewed positively by Coventry, who believe the forward has benefited from training and competing in a promotion-chasing environment. However, with the player entering a key stage of his career, the club have decided that a permanent transfer now makes sense for all parties.

Despite not breaking into Coventry’s senior squad, Obikwu has already gained international recognition. He has been capped four times by Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting the potential that has attracted interest from clubs higher up the English football pyramid.

For Coventry, the deal represents a chance to cash in on a promising academy product while allowing him to continue his development elsewhere. For QPR, it could be a low-risk investment in a young striker with room to grow and experience across multiple levels of the Football League.

As talks continue over personal terms, clarity is expected soon. Should the move be completed, Obikwu will be hoping that a fresh start in West London provides the platform to establish himself in the Championship and take the next step in his career.

Coventry City handed major injury boost before crucial Leicester derby

Frank Lampard has received a timely fitness lift ahead of Coventry City’s high-profile M69 derby against Leicester City, with two influential players returning to contention just in time for Saturday’s showdown at the CBS Arena.

The Sky Blues boss confirmed that both Victor Torp and Brandon Thomas-Asante have resumed full training at Ryton this week, putting them back in the frame for selection as Coventry prepare for one of their most eagerly anticipated fixtures of the season.

Midfielder Torp appears the more likely of the two to feature from the outset. The Dane has only missed the last three matches due to a calf problem and has recovered swiftly, placing him firmly in contention to return to the starting XI. His availability will come as a major boost to Lampard, given Torp’s importance in the middle of the park and his ability to dictate tempo and link play.

Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante and midfielder Victor Torp are both in contention for the weekend’s match against Leicester(Image: )

Thomas-Asante’s situation is slightly different. Coventry’s leading scorer has been sidelined since late November after suffering a hamstring tear, an injury that has kept him out of action for the last ten games. While he is now back training and available for selection, Lampard suggested the forward is more likely to be eased back gradually, potentially beginning with a role from the substitutes’ bench.

Providing an update during his pre-match press conference, Lampard said: “Torpy and Brandon are in contention for tomorrow,” offering encouragement to supporters hoping to see two of the club’s most influential performers involved in the derby encounter.

The return of Thomas-Asante, even in a limited capacity, could prove significant. Coventry have had to adapt their attacking approach in his absence, and having the option of introducing a proven goal threat late in the game could be crucial against strong opposition like Leicester.

Lampard also delivered updates on other members of his squad, including full-back Kaine Kesler-Hayden. The defender has been unavailable since picking up an ankle injury in the New Year’s Day fixture at Charlton. While his recovery is progressing positively, Lampard confirmed that the former Villa man remains a couple of weeks away from making his return.

“Yeah, he’s a couple of weeks away but he’s doing well,” Lampard explained, indicating that Kesler-Hayden is on track but will not be rushed back into action.

The only other senior player currently sidelined is goalkeeper Oliver Dovin, who has endured a long road back from a serious cruciate knee injury sustained nearly ten months ago. The Swedish stopper had been targeting a return at some point this month, but Lampard struck a cautious tone when asked about his progress.

“He’s progressing well but I’ll be honest with you, I haven’t got an absolute update on that just in this last week,” Lampard admitted. “I’ve been focussing on other things.”

He added that while Dovin’s rehabilitation is moving in the right direction, the goalkeeper has not yet returned to training with the squad. Lampard stressed that he is keen to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on the player by setting rigid timelines.

“He’s not on the training pitch yet and I don’t want to put any pressure on that timeline,” he said. “We’re hoping he’s available for us this season, but as far as I’m concerned I haven’t got the exact idea of when and I don’t want to commit to something.”

With the derby looming, the potential availability of Torp and Thomas-Asante represents a significant boost for Coventry as they look to rise to the occasion against their East Midlands rivals. While Lampard is likely to manage minutes carefully, particularly with players returning from longer layoffs, the added depth and quality gives him more tactical options for a fixture that could hinge on fine margins.

As anticipation builds ahead of Saturday’s clash, Coventry fans will be encouraged by the sight of key figures edging closer to full fitness, strengthening Lampard’s hand as he prepares his side for one of the most emotionally charged games on the calendar.