Hull City owner Acun Ilicali is believed to have approached Turkish legend Arda Turan to manage The Tigers but was rebuffed, according to a report.
Hull have had a tough time with managers this season, with Tim Walter’s tenure at the Yorkshire side putting the club at risk of relegation, but they managed to narrowly avoid the drop upon recruiting Reading boss Ruben Selles.
Owner Tried To Appoint Turan
Reports from Turkey have revealed that Ilicali had tried to bring Turkey and Barcelona legend Arda Turan to City, but failed to convince him to leave his current side, Eyupspor, who are currently sixth in the Turkish Super Lig. It is unclear whether the attempt was made prior to Selles’ appointment or in recent weeks.
Turan took over at the Istanbul club in April 2023 after retiring from football the previous summer. During his time, he has won over 50% of his matches at the club, and has seen his side challenge for European football this season.
Even with Hull surviving relegation on goal difference, the Spaniard’s future at the club is unclear, with reports last week believing that his future on the Humber was under severe threat. It was believed at the time that should Selles be removed, then former West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Mowbray was the leading candidate to replace him.
Writers’ View
Yet another report about a new Hull manager at a time when Ruben Selles has found his role under threat will not be comfortable reading for the Spaniard. Whilst it is unclear whether this is an old move or one from recent weeks, Acun Ilicali has known to be ruthless with his decisions, perhaps best characterised with his split with Liam Rosenior at the end of last season. It is known how much he desires his side to be competing at the top of the decision and Selles only managing to avoid relegation by the barest of margins has seemingly seen the Tigers owner get cold feet once more.
