The Transfer Window so Far – Hull City

What they needed?

To find someone confident of Hull City surviving in the Premier League you would probably have quite a search on your hands – with the majority of pundits tipping the Tigers for an instant Championship return.

The overwhelming view seemingly being that the current squad is someway of Premiership standard, although it should be remembered that such statements have been said of several other promoted sides in recent years who have gone on to have successful seasons.

Steve Bruce’s men undoubtedly bettered all expectations last term by clinching promotion on the most famous of final days. You could label Hull as the opportunists of last term given they made sure they were the main benefiters of what was in truth a Championship season packed full of inconsistency and frustration for many. The work of Bruce in the transfer window was one of the most significant reasons behind their rise and the experienced manager will be required to work his magic again if Hull are to continue to defy the critics.

What they have got so far?

Bruce has not wasted any time in drafting in bodies who have the potential to keep Hull up – signing seven players to date.

Finding Premier League goals has been at the top of the ex-Sunderland boss’s list and having seen a deal for Charlie Austin fall through – Hull have recently snapped up Danny Graham on a year’s loan and Yannik Sagbo has signed from French side Evian.  Sagbo can hardly be called prolific with just 22 goals in 90 games for Evian and a return of just six last season hardly inspires confidence – that said the big Ivorian’s presence up top should at least prove a handful for opposition defenders. The capture of Graham is an intriguing one given Sunderland only splashed significant cash on him in January – beating off the interest of several clubs. That move though has not gone to plan with Graham failing to score and in the process ruling himself out of Paolo Di Canio’s plans, which has resulted in his loan to Hull. A year ago Graham had finished amongst the top English goal scorers and if Bruce can get his confidence flowing again and as a result generate similar returns to that season, then this could prove a key capture.

Bruce has also been quick to bring in defensive recruits with Maynor Figueroa and Curtis Davies joining the club – both players who have Premiership experience. Figueroa has been a staple in the Wigan side that for years defied the relegation trap door and that experience should prove a key asset in Hull’s bid for survival. Alan McGregor has been brought in from Turkey – a keeper who not so long ago was one of the most highly rated in Britain, if he can regain that form he should prove a shrewd signing.

The midfield region has not seen such levels of activity as yet, although Ahmed Elmohamady and George Boyd have both been signed up on long term deals following impressive stints last term.

What they still need?

It is highly unlikely that Hull’s business is anywhere near finished yet and in truth they certainly need a few more if they are to make a real stab at survival – but the early signs at least suggest that they are not prepared to just sit back and take the Premier League pay cheque.

Wilson Palacios has been heavily linked with the club and if Bruce can reignite the player he made so highly thought of at Wigan then he could prove another decent piece of business. Peter Odemwingie’s name has been mentioned on several occasions and with his bridges long burnt with West Brom it would not a huge surprise to see him end up at a club like Hull – given that it is unlikely many established top flight clubs will take the risk on him.

Steve Bruce will no doubt be wheeling and dealing right up until the very end of the transfer window – after all few are better than him at it. There is plenty of work still to do with Hull still looking at least two or three players light in regards to having a capable squad but it is certainly so far so good in terms of comparing what they have got so far against realistic expectations.