Ruben Selles is closing in on his first signing since joining Hull City last month, with attacking midfielder Matt Crooks currently undergoing a medical at the MKM Stadium.
The Tigers currently sit in the relegation places in the Championship and face a fight to avoid the drop into League One. Selles has overseen an upturn in results since joining from Reading, picking up two wins and two draws in his seven games in charge.
A 3-3 draw with league leaders Leeds United on Saturday was widely seen as a positive result, and one that sent them level on points with 21st-placed Portsmouth. However, the East Yorkshire-based side have played two more games than Pompey, and it’s clear that arrivals will be needed this month to bolster Selles’ options.
Crooks Set For Championship Return
Crooks is a player with vast Championship experience, having made almost 160 appearances in the division with Rotherham United and Middlesbrough. He departed the Riverside Stadium in February last year, joining MLS outfit Real Salt Lake.
He had made a positive impact during his time in the United States, making 33 appearances as he helped his new side secure a place in the MLS play-offs. Despite signing a three-year deal, it appears as if a move back to England is on the cards.
According to BBC Humberside journalist James Hoggarth, Crooks is currently in Hull undergoing a medical ahead of a permanent transfer. It is unclear at this stage what fee would be involved.
🐯 TRANSFER: I understand former Middlesbrough, Rangers, and Scunthorpe United (loan) midfielder Matt Crooks is currently at Hull City undergoing a medical ahead of possible permanent deal. He’s currently in the US with MLS team Real Salt Lake (he joined last February) #hcafc pic.twitter.com/iEKP2O1Mwi
— James Hoggarth (@jameshoggarth) January 6, 2025
Writer’s View
Crooks would be an excellent signing for Hull and one that would bring a wealth of Championship experience with him. With 29 goals and 17 assists in the division during spells across Huddersfield Town, Rotherham and Middlesbrough, he will be a welcome addition to Selles’ attacking options. However, the MLS season finished in November and the 30-year-old may need to undergo a mini pre-season before being thrust into first team action.
