Hull City held Coventry City to a 0-0 draw at the CBS Arena to begin the 2025/26 Championship season on a positive note.
This summer has been difficult for the Tigers, who, like Sheffield Wednesday, have been subject to a three-window transfer fee ban.
Sergej Jakirovic’s team had only seven shots against the Sky Blues on Saturday, three of which were on target, equal the hosts’ total of 18 shots.
Ivor Pandur had another magnificent game for Hull, as the East Yorkshire club managed to keep their opponents at bay in a superb defensive effort in the West Midlands. However, there are now concerns that their Croatian shot-stopper may be on the move.
Middlesbrough have expressed interest in Hull City’s Ivor Pandur
Oli McBurnie turned down offers from Sheffield United and Swansea City to join the Tigers, demonstrating that, despite their off-field difficulties, they still have a strong appeal. However, they will need to return to the forefront with Pandur.
According to Hull Live, Middlesbrough is following the goalkeeper’s situation but is yet to make a bid to Hull, despite having bought Alfie Jones from the club earlier this summer.
Jakirovic does not want to lose his first-choice goalkeeper, and the club is negotiating better terms as a reward for his performances since signing from Fortuna Sittard in January 2024, when he signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at the MKM Stadium.
Pandur was named Hull’s Player of the Season for the 2024/25 season, with his performance in April’s 1-1 draw against Coventry standing noteworthy.
The Tigers cannot afford to lose a player with Ivor Pandur’s skill
Fortunately for the Tigers, the 25-year-old is content in East Yorkshire, and it appears that a significant offer would be required for him to leave.
However, with Hull struggling in the transfer market, owner Acun Illicali will be anxious to avoid losing Pandur, as replacing him would be extremely difficult.
It will be a challenging season for Jakirovic and his new squad, but if they can keep the Croatian, it will only help them avoid relegation and compete for a mid-table finish.
Nonetheless, with three weeks remaining in the transfer window, there will be concerns that there is more than enough time for his head to turn.
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