Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović has revealed that the club spent two months trying to sign Nigeria-eligible midfielder Tim Iroegbunam because of his Premier League experience, Footynaija reports.
Iroegbunam joined Hull City before the close of the summer transfer window after starting the season with Everton. The 23-year-old had featured in Everton’s second league game against Bournemouth before completing his move to the newly promoted Tigers.
An injury then delayed his Hull City debut. He finally made his first appearance for the club in Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Iroegbunam came on in the 69th minute, replacing Matt Crooks, as Hull secured a point against the Premier League side.
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After the match, Jakirović explained why Hull had been so determined to bring the midfielder to the MKM Stadium.
“Tim is a very good player. We know from day one. We chased him for two months,” Jakirović said to Hull City media.
The manager believes Iroegbunam’s knowledge of English football will be especially useful to Hull, who returned to the Premier League this season after winning promotion.
“He would help the team a lot. He has experience in this league and for me, this is very important,” Jakirović added.
Iroegbunam’s experience comes from spells with Aston Villa and Everton. He made 31 Premier League appearances for Everton during the 2025/26 campaign and provided three assists.
That form helped convince Hull to make him a priority target during the summer.
His move also gives Jakirović another midfielder with experience of playing at the highest level of English football as Hull look to establish themselves in the Premier League.
Iroegbunam will now hope to build on his brief appearance against Chelsea and play a bigger role for Hull as the season continues.
