When the news dropped on July 4th regarding the EFL-imposed transfer embargo, the mood around the MKM and the Hull City fanbase shifted from cautious optimism to palpable anxiety.
The three-window restriction triggered by the complications surrounding unpaid transfer installments felt like a straitjacket for a club owned by the ambitious Acun Ilicali. Yet here we are in late November following yesterday’s narrow 3 – 2 defeat to QPR at Loftus Road, Hull City are occupying the final play-off spot and far from the relegation scrap many predicted when the sanctions were initially imposed.
Under the stewardship of Sergej Jakirovic, the Tigers have turned a crisis into a masterclass in austerity management.
Here is how they are navigating the 2025/26 campaign, the specific anxieties looming over the January window, and the players keeping the season and potentially even the club’s dream very much alive.
Oli McBurnie:
The early weeks of the season were defined by one man: Oli McBurnie. Bringing the Scottish international back to English football on a free transfer was a massive gamble on fitness, but initially, it looked like a stroke of genius.
McBurnie was the focal point Jakirovic desperately needed. His aerial dominance and ability to win cheap fouls allowed Hull to get up the pitch even when under pressure. He did the dirty work that allowed the rest of the attack to function.
However, the fears regarding his durability have unfortunately materialised. He has been sidelined for weeks with a recurring calf issue, leaving a massive physical void at the top of the pitch.
In McBurnie’s absence, Joe Gelhardt has put his hand up and delivered. Returning for a second loan spell from Leeds United, ‘Joffy’ has been nothing short of sensational. He has had to adapt his game, across the front line rather than his preferred role just off the striker, but his work rate and clinical finishing have kept Hull competitive.
But his form brings a new fear, there is growing anxiety in Hull that Leeds, who are currently looking at a Premier League relegation dog-fight, might exercise their option to recall Gelhardt early.
With McBurnie out, losing Gelhardt would be catastrophic. The Tigers are effectively at the mercy of their Yorkshire rivals, hoping Leeds decide ‘Joffy’ is better off developing at the MKM rather than sitting on the bench at Elland Road.
Regan Slater:
While the forward line has been a revolving door of injuries and loan worries, Regan Slater has been the one constant.
Having made his 200th Tigers appearance against QPR on Saturday, Slater has evolved into a complete Championship midfielder. In a season where the squad is thin and rotation is a luxury Jakirovic cannot afford, Slater has been an ever-present machine.
Whether breaking up play in his own box or driving transition attacks, his durability and leadership have been the glue holding the team together. If there is one player who embodies the “siege mentality” of this embargo season, it is him.
Defensive concerns:
While the forward line and midfield have had their standout performers, the defence remains the most glaring area of concern for Jakirovic. The team’s open, attacking style has frequently left them exposed, leading to a high volume of goals conceded, 27, the joint second worst in the entire division.
The focal point of the defence, Charlie Hughes, has been a model of consistency, starting every league game and displaying maturity far beyond his years. His ability to read the game and his speed have often been the only things preventing a complete defensive meltdown.
However, his exceptional form has naturally attracted attention. Rumours of Premier League interest are intensifying, and Hughes represents the club’s most valuable asset. Jakirovic needs to help Hughes out and tighten up the rest of those defensive systems.
The lack of depth around Hughes is evident. Injuries to key centre halves (Semi Ajayi) and the consistent instability has prevented a settled defensive unit from forming, leading to costly individual errors that have punctuated the season and you can certainly see that these defensive frailties have also impacted the form of shot-stopper, Ivan Pandur who doesn’t look like the capable version of himself fans saw last season…
Verdict:
Hull City are walking a tightrope. They welcome a resurgent Ipswich Town to the MKM on Tuesday knowing that their current squad is fragile and if their dreams are to be achieved, home form is a must, but this, on paper at least, looks to be a very tough game for the Tigers despite the Tractor Boys stumbling to a stalemate at home to Wrexham at the weekend.
Jakirovic has done a remarkable job with one hand tied behind his back, but the January window looms large. The fear isn’t about who they can bring in, we know that is limited to loans and free agents but about who they might lose.
If Leeds recall Gelhardt or a big bid is placed for Charlie Hughes, the house of cards could come tumbling down, along with Hull’s league position. However, if those players remain and the injured cohort return, who knows what successes Hull City may find come May-time!