Hull City are reportedly keen to sign Slovenia national team striker Zan Celar, according to Swiss publication 4-4-2.
Celar, who plays his club football for Swiss Super League side FC Lugano, is currently representing his country at the European Championship in Germany and featured in Slovenia’s drab goalless draw against England on Tuesday.
The Tigers are reportedly keen to do a deal for the 25-year-old, who came through at Slovenian side to Maribor before moving to Italian giants Roma but will have to wait until the conclusion of the tournament to attempt to sign the player.
Hull City finished seventh in the Championship last year, missing out on the play-offs by one place, and are in need of attacking reinforcements ahead of the new campaign. Last year’s loanees Liam Delap and Noah Ohio have returned to their parent clubs while Billy Sharp and Aaron Connolly left at the end of their deals, meaning the East Yorkshire side will need to dip into the transfer market.
Celar would certainly fill that gap and would come fairly cheaply. With only a year left on his deal in Switzerland, his current side would likely be open to selling to avoid losing the player on a free next summer. With new Hull boss Tim Walter likely looking for cheap attacking options, and owner Acun Ilicali saying the club are unlikely to spend huge amounts, Celar may be the answer as he boasts a market value of just £3.8 million, as per Transfermarkt.
Fans at the MKM Stadium will be hoping the Slovenian can continue his recent good form should he sign for the club. Celar has recorded 51 goals in 118 appearances for FC Lugano, and although he is yet to score at senior international level, he does boast 92 goals in 198 club appearances – nearly a goal every two games.
Clearly Celar would provide much-needed firepower to a thin-looking squad and if he and new boss Walter hit the ground running, this could be the season Hull go one better and make the play-offs or possibly even more.
Writer’s View
Celar is a name some Hull City fans may recognise after the European Championships, and while his international record doesn’t inspire, his club exploits do. Hull are desperately in need of an affordable striker and Celar is just that.
If his form in Switzerland can translate to the English game, the Tigers will have a player on their hands and the mood around the MKM Stadium will quickly become more optimistic.