Hull City complete £2.5m transfer as Ruben Selles makes big statement
Hull City have completed their fourth signing of the January transfer window by sealing a deal for Blackpool striker Kyle Joseph on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
The 23-year-old forward completed the formalities of his move from the Fylde Coast club over the weekend, after City agreed a fee on Friday following lengthy talks. He was at the Tigers' training ground on Monday, although the deal wasn't completed in time for him to be involved against QPR on Tuesday night.
City and the Seasiders had been a little further apart in their valuations for the former Wigan Athletic youngster, but the Tigers eventually met the £2.5m figure which would see the deal get done.
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Joseph agreed on personal terms and underwent a medical after being withdrawn from the Blackpool squad, which drew 2-2 with Huddersfield Town at Bloomfield Road on Saturday while City were winning 1-0 at Millwall to boost their hopes of staying in the Championship.
The young striker was identified by Tigers boss Ruben Selles as a player he believes has significant potential to develop under his tutelage, having notched seven goals in League One with Blackpool this season.
Former City boss Steve Bruce raved about the Scotland Under-21 international, high praise indeed from a manager who has a keen eye for a player or two.
“He’s everything I like in a football player, he gives everything he’s got. I’m delighted to have worked with him; he’s a smashing lad. We’re sad to lose him, but that’s football - everyone’s got their price, whether you are Kyle Joseph or Cristiano Ronaldo," Bruce said.
“Hull are up against it at the bottom end of the Championship, so they are trying to get a centre forward in to help them. For attitude and commitment, they’re not going to get any better than Kyle - he’ll be a good asset for them. Sometimes you can’t stand in their way; it’s a bit life-changing for the kid.”
Joseph's arrival is the Tigers' fourth of a busy window so far, with Eliot Matazo expected to become number five after he passed a medical and agreed terms on a long-term contract. Lincoln Henrique's loan move from Fenerbahce is also expected to be confirmed in the next 24 hours, while the Tigers continue to work on signing a left-back and winger ahead of the February 3 deadline.
