Tigers boost firepower with deadline day signings

‘CAN’T WAIT TO PLAY’: New Hull City striker Allahyar Sayyadmanesh. Picture credit: Hull City

By Simon Bristow

Hull City have continued their flying start to the Acun Ilıcalı era with a flurry of deadline day signings in the January transfer window.

The most eye-catching new arrival is Fenerbahce striker Allahyar Sayyadmanesh, who new owner Ilıcalı said would be “sensational” in a Tigers shirt.

The 20-year-old Iran international joins on loan from the Turkish giants until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

Sayyadmanesh said: “First of all, I am really happy to be here at a great club with amazing fans.

“I will try to give my all and help the team because that is the most important thing. I will fight for the team until the end.

“When I was a child, I always followed the English leagues. I am really excited to play here.

“I want to help the team. We’ve won the last three matches and we’ve got good potential and a young team.

“I was in the stadium at the last game and it was a great atmosphere. I really can’t wait to play in our stadium in front of the fans and I hope to see you soon.”

Born in Amal, Iran, Sayyadmanesh signed his first professional contract with Esteghal FC in June 2018.

After 18 appearances during his time at the Azadi Stadium, the exciting forward caught the eye of Fenerbahce and signed for them in May 2019.

A month later he made his senior debut for Iran and became his nation’s youngest-ever goalscorer after netting in a 5-0 friendly win against Syria.

His arrival at the MKM Stadium is his third loan spell away from Fenerbahce, having previously impressed during spells at İstanbulspor in Turkey and Ukranian side Zorya Luhansk.

His performances in Ukraine saw him named among the Ukrainian Premier League’s best 11 players for 2020/21.

City’s firepower was further boosted by the signing of Brentford forward Marcus Forss on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old Finland international has scored 30 goals in 94 career appearances.

‘ECSTATIC’: Ryan Longman. Picture credit: Hull City

Forss has played 12 matches for the Bees this season – including seven outings in the Premier League – and scored four in a 7-0 EFL Cup thrashing of Oldham Athletic.

He notched 10 goals in 51 appearances last term as Thomas Frank’s side secured promotion to the top flight, including the decisive effort in their play-off semi-final triumph over AFC Bournemouth.

Capped 11 times by his country, Forss scored his first of two international goals on his debut in a shock 2-0 friendly win away to world champions France in November 2020.

Also delighting Tigers fans was the capture of versatile Ryan Longman from Brighton and Hove Albion on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.

Longman, who has impressed during his loan spell at the MKM since the start of the season, has penned a three-and-a-half-year contract with a club option of a further year.

Playing predominantly at wing-back, the 21-year-old has made 20 appearances in all competitions and been an important figure in City’s rise up the Championship table, scoring four in his last ten outings.

Longman said: “I’m ecstatic – really glad I’ve got it over the line.

“A big thank you to my agency and Brighton for the last ten to eleven years, and I’m looking forward to the next step in my career.

“The past six, seven months here have been brilliant. I’m building more confidence game by game and results are going our way as well.

“Hopefully, I can keep putting some goals and assists away and help the team out whatever way I can.”

City’s midfield was strengthened by the signing of Liam Walsh on loan from fellow Championship side Swansea City until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old, who has made seven appearances for the Welsh club this season, came on against the Tigers on Saturday and nearly blotted his copybook by hitting a post with a curling free-kick.

Joining Everton at just five years of age, the Huyton-born Walsh spent 15 years at Goodison Park and represented England at youth level.

His loan move is also subject to international clearance.

The signings are in addition to the arrival of midfielder Regan Slater, who signed from Sheffield United last week on a two-and-a-half-year contract, with a club option of a further year.

The 22-year-old was the first signing of the Ilıcalı era.