Hull City transfer latest as ex-Fenerbahce striker update emerges
Hull City have agreed a deal in principle to sign forward Joao Pedro after his release by Fenerbahce last month, as the Tigers move to beef up their attacking ranks.
Hull Live understands Pedro is due in Hull on Saturday to undergo a medical and complete the formalities of his free transfer move with the 32-year-old penning an initial one-year contract at the MKM Stadium.
City have added an option into his deal which could see that extended into a second year if the move works out for both parties, with the one-time Italian international getting his first taste of English football with the Tigers.
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Owner Acun Ilicali, Tan Kesler and the club's recruitment staff have been scouring the market for possible options since the transfer window closed on August 30, having been desperate to add more firepower to Tim Walter's squad. Deals for Tom Cannon, David Datro Fofana and Deivid Washington fell through in the closing stages of the window.
City wanted to replace Oscar Estupinan, who departed in the final days of August and bagged his first goal in his third game for FC Juarez in a 3-2 defeat to C.F. Monterrey on Thursday, and have moved to sign Pedro.
The experienced frontman will link up with the squad next week as they prepare for the visit of Cardiff City, a game they hope will come on the back of success at Stoke City on Friday night.
The 6ft forward can either operate in an attacking midfield role or up front, with the latter more likely given the plethora of options Walter has in attacking midfield with Kasey Palmer, Abdus Omur and Marvin Mehlem all capable of playing in an advanced midfield role. Wingers Abu Kamara, Will Jarvis, Liam Millar and Mohamed Belloumi can also operate there if need be.
Pedro began his career with Atletico Mineiro before heading to Italian side Palermo. He had loan spells in Portugal and Uruguay on loan prior to a move to Brazilian giants Santos and then Estoril back in Portugal.
It was in Italy's Serie A with Cagliari where he set down roots and made his name, playing more than 200 times and scoring over 80 goals. He became captain in 2020/21, though that came after he was slapped with a six-month ban by Italian authorities for testing positive for a banned substance. During his stint in Italy, he acquired citizenship through his wife and made his Gli Azzurri debut in a World Cup play-off against Macedonia.
In July 2022 he moved to Istanbul in a big money deal, but played just 28 times, scoring five goals. "A mutual agreement has been reached with Joao Pedro, one of the Professional Football A Team players, and his contract has been terminated," Fener said in a statement announcing his exit late last month. "We wish the player success in his career."