Hull look to strengthen their forward line with Nigerian striker Ilenikhena after beating Man United

NEWLY-promoted English Premier League side Hull City are hoping to sign Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena before the closure of the current transfer window to augment their squad after getting off to a flying start of the season with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United.

Earlier today, Hull kicked off their return to the Premier League with an emphatic victory at home to Man United, with Super Eagles striker Semi Ajayi scoring the first goal. Buoyed by this victory, Hull will believe they can beat the drop, so are looking to strengthen their squad with more firepower upfront.

According to transfer market reporter Rudi Galetti, Hull are one the clubs looking to sign Ilenikhena from Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad. Ilenikhena, 20, a Lagos-born attacker made history as the youngest player of Nigerian descent to score in the Champions League when he found the net for Antwerp against Barcelona on December 13, 2023, aged just 17 years and 119 days.

During the January transfer window, he moved to Saudi Arabia as a replacement for former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and has been impressive since moving there. However, several clubs want to bring him back to Europe, including the likes of Sevilla, Bologna, Burnley and Trabzonspor.

English sides Hull City and Burnley for instance have made enquiries about the details and conditions required to complete a deal for the former Monaco striker. They have also expressed their appreciation for Ilenikhena's qualities as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the season.

Hull are still buzzing from that famous win in their Premier League season opener at the MKM Stadium. There was plenty of optimism around Man United, who finished last season strongly under Michael Carrick, heading into the season but that bubble was quickly burst as Semi Ajayi capitalised on defensive issues to poke home the opener from close range after 17 minutes.

Acun Ilicali, the Hull owner, revelled in the fact everyone was writing his side off this season and backed by a buoyant atmosphere, the Tigers, who were playing in the top-flight for the first time since 2017, played with real confidence. Physically, Man United struggled to cope with the intensity Hull were playing at.