Hull City are set to unveil the signing of Gustavo Puerta this week and the Tigers’ owner Acun Ilicali shared how a budding relationship with Bayer Leverkusen was key to finalising the deal.
21-year-old Puerta has already completed a medical with the Championship outfit. He will likely be announced as a Tigers’ player this week, as reported by Hull Live. The deal is reportedly a season-long loan, with the option to buy in the summer of 2025.
The Colombian was also in attendance as the Championship side played out a 0-0 draw against Millwall at the MKM Stadium on Saturday. Puerta arrived at Leverkusen in 2023 for an estimated fee of £1.7 million. The midfielder played a small role in Die Werkself’s Bundesliga title-winning campaign and run to the Europa League final last season. He made 10 appearances in all competitions, according to Transfermarkt.
The Colombian’s imminent arrival in Hull follows a developing, positive relationship between the Yorkshire club and Bayer Leverkusen. In an interview with Hull Live, the Tigers’ owner, Acun Ilicali, explained how the close ties between the teams helped to secure Puerta’s signature for the 2024/25 season. Moreover, the Hull chief believes the close-knit bond between the clubs warded off any rival interest. The likes of Rangers, PAOK, Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday were seemingly interested in the 21-year-old.
“He’s a big talent and all the world’s eyes are on him.
“They had five offers for him, but you know, in football, relations are very important and I can say that Bayer Leverkusen is a very friendly club with Hull City. Last season, we were invited to their game with Dortmund, myself and Tan (Kesler) and we were there with all their decision-makers.
“We had a very good conversation saying that Hull City is a good place for Bayer Leverkusen to cooperate within football. They don’t have a specific team (to work closely with) until now, one that they are making this kind of co-operation with.”
In addition, Ilicali elaborated on how good a signing Puerta could prove to be in the Championship this season. The 55-year-old believes that the Colombian midfielder can grow away from the pressure of Leverkusen in the German top flight.
“He is a player with big potential, one that shocked everybody with his performances in the national team and of course, it’s not easy to play for a club like Bayer Leverkusen, and I don’t think that any player from the Championship will easily play there at the moment, so at the age of 20, him not playing in their first team doesn’t mean anything to us, because we see the future for him, and his potential.”
Writer’s View
Hull continues to impress in the summer transfer market and the club can attract budding young talent. Currently, the Tigers made 10 summer signings and eight are aged 24 or under, per Transfermakrt.
Puerta’s upcoming addition continues to philosophy of giving a platform to young players, who can flourish in the Championship. With Bundesliga and Europa League experience, Puerta could be yet another excellent find from the club, while Hull continues to build positive links with top-tier clubs in European football.
Be the first to comment