Portuguese defender Tobias Figueiredo to be Tigers first signing of summer

‘SOLID AND SMART’: Tobias Figueiredo. Picture credit: Hull City

By Simon Bristow

Hull City have announced the signing of Portuguese centre-back Tobias Figueiredo on a two-year contract.

The 28-year-old, whose deal includes a club option of a further year, will officially become the Tigers’ first signing of the summer on July 1 when he becomes a free agent following his release by Nottingham Forest.

The “no-nonsense” 6ft 2ins defender made 122 appearances in four-and-a-half years at the City Ground. He played 28 matches last season as Forest secured promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, ending a 23-year top-flight exile.

Coming through at Sporting Lisbon, Satao-born Figueiredo thrived with the B team and made 30 appearances at senior level for the Portuguese powerhouses.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXPERIENCE: Tobias Figueiredo. Picture credit: Hull City

The right-footed centre-half was involved in the Lions’ 2014/15 Taca de Portugal and 2017/18 Taca da Liga cup triumphs, and featured in both the Champions League and Europa League.

He played on loan at Reus and Nacional in his homeland before leaving for Forest in summer 2018 following a successful half-season loan spell.

Capped by his country at multiple youth levels, Figueiredo helped Portugal reach the final of the 2015 European Under-21 Championship and was also part of their 2016 Summer Olympics squad.

City head coach Shota Arveladze said: “We’ve been looking for a good and strong centre-back and we’re more than happy to have brought Tobias in.

 “He knows our league and how to play in the Championship. He’s a solid and smart defender who is good in position.”