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Hull City make progress in talks to sign Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam
Hull City are making progress in their bid to sign Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, manager Sergej Jakirovic has confirmed.
The newly promoted Premier League side have opened negotiations over the 22-year-old, who is among the midfielders Jakirovic wants to recruit before Hull City return to the top flight. Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, the manager said discussions with Everton were ongoing and indicated that the situation was developing positively for his club.
Jakirovic is building a squad capable of competing in the Premier League after Hull City secured promotion from the Championship. He is seeking a midfielder who can add physical strength, pace and defensive cover in front of the back four.
Iroegbunam is viewed as a suitable option because of his ability to compete in challenges, his physical qualities and his experience of playing at the highest level in England. However, negotiations have so far proved difficult, with Everton initially valuing the player at more than Hull City were prepared to pay.
Talks have continued as the clubs attempt to reach an agreement, and Hull City are exploring more than one structure for the transfer. A permanent move is under consideration, while a loan deal with a potential obligation to buy is also an option.
Everton’s position could be affected by Iroegbunam’s contract. The midfielder is entering the final year of his agreement at Goodison Park, leaving the Merseyside club at risk of losing him for nothing next summer if he does not sign a new deal.
Hull City face competition for his signature. Ipswich Town and Coventry City have also been linked with the midfielder, while there is interest from clubs in Italy.
Iroegbunam joined Everton from Aston Villa in 2024 in a transfer worth about £9m. The 2025-26 campaign was his most active Premier League season, as he made 29 appearances and played 1,487 minutes. He also contributed two assists.
The midfielder has represented England at youth level and was part of the team that won the European Under-19 Championship in 2022.
His club situation is also being followed closely in Nigeria, where he remains eligible to play for the Super Eagles. Iroegbunam was born in England to Nigerian parents, giving him the option of representing Nigeria at senior international level.
Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has been aware of the player’s circumstances and has previously been linked with an approach. Reports in April said Iroegbunam was open to discussing a possible switch, although Nigeria had not received formal confirmation from him at that point.
Any move this summer could therefore have significance beyond Iroegbunam’s club career. A transfer to Hull City would allow him to continue playing Premier League football while potentially bringing him closer to a decision about his international future.
