Hull City are closing in on Fenerbache midfielder Ozan Tufan, reports say, as the club’s Turkish owner Acun Ilicali continues to seek familiar ground to improve the squad. The Tigers reportedly made an approach to sign the midfielder during the week, with representatives now in Turkey sorting out the fine print with the player.
Few fans will have followed the Turkish Superlig closely, so here’s everything you need to know about Hull City’s potential arrival Ozan Tufan.
Who is Ozan Tufan?
Tufan is a 27-year-old Turkish international who plays for his club football club Fenerbahce.
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He came through the youth ranks at Bursaspor and spent three years with the senior side before moving to Fenerbahce in 2015 for around £6million.
During his time there, he played 133 games, with loan spells at Alanyaspor and Watford.
Tufan was also capped 65 times for the Turkish national team.
What position does Ozan Tufan play?
The 27-year-old is mainly deployed in midfield as a defensive counterweight but he can also play on the right side at right-back or right midfield.
While defensive duties are his strength, the midfielder is capable of pushing further into space as shown by his nine goals for Turkey and 18 for Fenerbahce.
How did Ozan Tufan do last season?
Last year didn’t go too well for Tufan, which might suggest Fenerbahce’s eagerness to change him.
The midfielder joined Watford on loan in the summer of 2021 but only made seven appearances before having his contract terminated early, leading to him being branded a flop by Hornets fans.
A return to his parent club saw nine appearances throughout the campaign – including two in the Europa Conference League with zero goals.
He and former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil were subsequently suspended by the club in March for an apparent fallout with manager Ismail Kartal.
What can Hull City fans expect from Ozan Tufan?
In all honesty, it’s hard to say for sure. A consistent Turkey international who was attractive enough for a Premier League side to take on loan looks like a brilliant signing – and there’s every chance it could be.
But early loan terminations, executive fallout and suspensions suggest a potentially embarrassing number.
If Shota Arveladze can handle the man, then the player might just be worth it.
