Who had expected Hull City to stun everyone with a 2-1 win against Premier League holders Leicester City on the opening day! Unlike almost every other newly-promoted side, Hull City have not been able to use the summer transfer window well to improve their first team. The Tigers were hit hard by the shock departure of manager Steve Bruce just before the start of the season over a dispute with the owners as the manager accused the owners of their lack of ambition.
With caretaker manager Mike Phelan in charge and just 13 fit senior players available for the season-opener, Hull City should be hailed for upsetting Leicester City on the opening day itself. However, the reality is that Hull probably are the weakest squad in the Premier League right now and unless they reinforce, another immediate relegation could be awaiting them.
With the transfer window closing in less than two weeks’ time, Hull are yet to spend a single penny in the market and have to act really soon or else they will be left behind by their fellow Premier League clubs. According to reports from The Daily Mail, Hull City have tabled a £9million transfer bid for Lorient striker Benjamin Moukandjo. The aforementioned report claims that Swansea City, Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion all registered their strong interest in the Cameroonian but Hull City lead the race for his signature.
Moukandjo belongs from the country that produced players like Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o in the past who are nothing short of legends of the game. Standing 5 ft 10 1⁄2 in, the Cameroonian is a strong and versatile forward who can play anywhere across the attacking third but offers his best when deployed as a right winger. Having played just one game this season for Lorient in Ligue 1, the 27-year-old scored two goals in a 3-2 defeat against Caen.
The 27-year-old has been a journeyman in French football over the years having played for clubs like Rennes, Nimes, Monaco, Nancy, Reims and then Lorient. Joining Lorient from Reims last summer, Moukandjo was an instant hit at Stade du Moustoir notching up 13 goals from 31 Ligue 1 games. A brilliant finisher and someone who can outrun defenders with his pace, the Cameroonian will be a solid addition to Hull City.
The Tigers have just two strikers at their disposal right now in the form of Abel Hernandez and Adama Diomande both lacking experience at the top level. Adding a striker like Moukandjo, who is capped 36 times for Cameroon, would be a good decision from the Premier League new boys.
