Hull City striker Noah Ohio has admitted that he’d be open to returning to the club after his loan spell ends this summer.
Ohio is currently on loan with the Tigers from Belgian heavyweights Standard Liege and has impressed since his arrival in January. At just 21 years-of-age, the striker has bundles of potential and will only improve in years to come.
Although he hasn’t exactly be handed that many chances by Liam Rosenior, when Ohio has been on the pitch, he’s been mightily impressive. The Dutch U21 international has been in the limelight over the weekend after his late goal earned Hull a point against Ipswich Town in an exciting 3-3 draw which in turn kept their play-off hopes alive going into the final day of the season.
That was Ohio’s third in just seven outings this season, and despite still being a bit raw, the youngster has proven his obvious goalscoring quality.
Three points for the Tigers in their final day game against Plymouth Argyle and a loss for West Bromwich Albion when they host Preston North End would see the Tigers sneak into the play-off place. Of the two, it is Rosenior’s men who are in far better form, with the Baggies losing each of their last three but ultimately they do have a two point buffer as well as a significantly better goal difference.
Ohio is once again expected to play a part and could play an even more important role after his goal at the weekend. If they do miss out on the play-offs, Saturday may well be the striker’s last game for the club, although he has admitted that a return would not be out of question.
Speaking to Hull Live, the striker spoke on his potential future at the club, with Rosenior heaping praise on him after his goal at the weekend.
“I’m sure at the end of the season, whatever happens regarding my future at Hull City , (talks) will take place and I don’t think there’s any rush of that, but, you know, it’s nice to hear the manager say those nice things about me. It’s about me being consistent now and doing the right things in training and showing everybody that I can play at this level and I can play consistently at this level.”
Despite having a contract with Standard Liege until the summer of 2026, Ohio discussed a potential return to the MKM Stadium.
“Yes, for sure (he’d like to stay). I think the fans have taken to me well, I think the club has taken to me well, so it’s something I would definitely think about and speak to my family about. For now, it’s about just doing the right things daily and when that comes after the 26th of May after the play-off final, we’ll speak about it.”
Writer’s View
Although he hasn’t been handed a load of chances this season, Ohio has taken anything he has been given and certainly looks like an asset for the future. Given this is just his first season in English senior football, he should significantly improve for the future.
The focus is however on the present for Hull, who have a huge game at the weekend which could see them nick the final play-off spot. Talks will no doubt happen at some point, but not until their season ends.
Fans will be hoping that the end is not this weekend and that’s they can pull off a late surge into sixth. Ohio could well play a more pivotal role on Saturday and he deserves it based off of his performance against Ipswich.
