Hull City facing crunch Noah Ohio transfer decision ahead of frantic summer

Noah Ohio bagged his third Hull City goal on Saturday night in dramatic fashion -Credit:Richard Sellers/PA Wire
Noah Ohio bagged his third Hull City goal on Saturday night in dramatic fashion -Credit:Richard Sellers/PA Wire


Noah Ohio has been affectionately afforded the nickname 'super sub' in recent days and perhaps, rightly so, given he came off the bench at both Coventry and then again on Saturday to rescue Hull City against Ipswich Town.

When Sky Sports reporter David Craig started his post-match interview with that assessment after Ohio slammed in City's third goal in their pulsating showdown with the Tractor Boys, the Dutch Under-21 striker smiled, paused and then continued with his answer.

He would have hoped to have been involved more often than he has, but he's young, he's had to get to grips with being back in England, the Championship, and what Liam Rosenior expects. Moving in January is rarely ever straightforward, especially for a youngster coming from abroad.

READ MORE: Liam Rosenior 'wants to build something' at Hull City as vital trust factor explained

The powerful frontman's involvement has been a curious case since arriving on loan from Standard Liege, and the source of much discussion and debate. He's played just 195 minutes across seven games having been restricted to just one start, which came on that fateful afternoon against Stoke City on Good Friday, but has scored three goals and in their own way, each one has been crucial. Without them, Saturday's game at Plymouth has no meaning in the context of their season.

It can't have been easy for the striker to have been out in the cold for a lengthy period of time. Any player worth their salt would be unhappy, and he was no different, though, to his credit, he worked hard on the training pitch, let his football do the talking and got himself back in the squad.

Ohio's clinically taken winner at Rotherham came with the scores tied at 1-1 and earned a 2-1 success before he went through a hugely frustrating spell of just three appearances in 12 games prior to stepping off the bench to score the winning goal at Coventry last Wednesday night, and then again on Saturday, with City seemingly on their way to a 3-2 reverse and their season coming to an end, he struck home with just seconds left to earn what may yet prove to be a valuable point, particularly if City clinch a play-off spot at Plymouth on Saturday.

Each of his three goals have all been different, and each one has shown that Ohio has something. Yes, he's raw, yes, he's got a lot to learn and no, he's probably not ready to lead the line every week, but he's a talent and at the age of just 21, he's a player worthy of persevering with, and whatever division City find themselves in, he is somebody the club should look to bring back, whether that be on loan with a view to a permanent deal next summer, or if the finances work, a permanent switch.

His strike at Rotherham was sharp, his positioning was perfect and he swept the ball home confidently. At Coventry, he sensed the danger, gambled and overpowered Sky Blues goalkeeper Brad Collins to force the ball over the line and then on Saturday night, after Matty Jacob's header was saved, Ohio still had plenty to do but he showed great control to steer the ball into the top corner.

We've all seen those blazed over the bar from some very high-profile strikers down the years, so it showed just how smart and clinical Ohio can be inside the penalty area. His willingness to run at defenders was apparent shortly before that when he burst down the left flank, before snapping a shot at goal with Vaclav Hladky fumbled behind. It lifted the crowd, and the team, who were 3-2 down at the time. It was another example of his heart, and his willingness to work hard for the team.

Good strikers smell danger, they know where to be. In the right place at the right time and Ohio has that sense. Forward players will be high on City's shopping list this summer, Premier League or Championship, and while he may not be the figurehead, he has the capacity to be a very important performer, in essence, he's only going to get better and his value is only going to increase.

Would you like City to pursue a move for Ohio in the summer? Have your say in the comments below....