Hull City supporters will hope bargain transfer goes ahead after Swansea City, Sheffield United evidence | OneFootball

Oli McBurnie would represent a bargain deal for the Tigers

Once again, Hull City's off-season will centre around change at the MKM Stadium, both in the dugout and throughout the playing squad.

It remains to be seen who will take over from Ruben Selles at this moment in time, with the Spaniard - who has since been linked with the vacancy at Huddersfield Town - dismissed by Acun Ilicali and the hierarchy after the Tigers preserved their Championship status on the final day of the season.

Those in the boardroom are seemingly taking a measured approach to selecting his successor despite the discourse generated over a recent interview from Ilicali in which a range of club matters were discussed at length. Regardless, those at the MKM Stadium will be hoping for a much more positive and stable 2025/26 season.

Of course, it isn't unusual to see a plethora of transfer links surface at this time of year. However, whilst it may seem strange that City are looking to secure a deal which would bring Oli McBurnie back to English football without a head coach or manager in place at present, capturing the 28-year-old's signature on a free transfer feels like a no-brainer.

Oli McBurnie's previous Championship record as Hull City links surface

The Leeds-born Scotland international has become a household name in the second tier in recent years after spells with Barnsley, Swansea City and Sheffield United.

Despite the Tykes' relegation to League One back in 2017/18, McBurnie's first 17 games at the level came with a highly respectable tally of nine goals, already beginning to showcase his skillset, which incorporates both pace, physicality and a strong mental edge.

As a result of being one of nine high-quality players who hit over 20 goals the following season, including former City winger Jarrod Bowen, the forward's contributions in what proved to be an indifferent season in South Wales feel slightly forgotten about, but a return of 22 goals in 45 games unsurprisingly earned him a major breakthrough into the Premier League as the Blades parted with a then club-record £20m for his services.

Much like Rhian Brewster, whether the Bramall Lane outfit got full value for money when it comes to the 17-time international is by the by after a lengthy spell of extremely mixed fortunes. However, a stunning volley against Luton Town in September 2022 - his first goal in 43 games - started a run which showcased how much of a handful he can be when firing on all cylinders at this level.

McBurnie went on a run of five goals in six games in the Autumn, before a run of as many goals in just four games which included a standout performance in a 5-2 victory over Burnley in November 2022. Of course, he blew hot and cold for the remainder of the season, but was a key focal point as United returned to the elite under Paul Heckingbottom, before ending his association with the club as one of very few 'bright sparks' during a dismal one-season return to the top-flight.

Whilst his Spanish adventure hasn't gone to plan thus far either, after just five goals and a relegation in 34 appearances, previous interest from Burnley and Blackburn Rovers and Hull's plan to trigger a relegation release clause for a man who has 44 goals in 125 second tier games showcases how highly-rated he is by sides looking to return to the elite in the coming years.

Oli McBurnie deal could be a key answer to Hull's goalscoring woes

The Tigers' goalscoring record last season has been spoken about at length, with a return of 44 goals in 46 games, the worst in the Championship and one of the lowest in the EFL.

Unsurprisingly, many supporters believe that the key area which needs strengthening is the forward area. Despite seeing his one-year club extension activated when the East Yorkshire side announced their retained list, top-scorer Joao Pedro is expected to leave with the hope a profit can be made after the 33-year-old was signed on a free last September.

Joe Gelhardt's return to Leeds now leaves Kyle Joseph as the only current out-and-out centre-forward, although the £2.5m January buy is yet to score in Black and Amber, which is another reason as to why the signing of McBurnie could prove key.

Furthermore, creative wide duo, Liam Millar and Mohamed Belloumi, are also expected to return from ACL lay-offs in pre-season. Whilst two managers have departed the club since their last appearances respectively, if their previous qualities can instantly be replicated, a striker of McBurnie's ilk will flourish with such high-quality service, having done the same alongside current Everton creator-in-chief, Iliman Ndiaye at Bramall Lane.

Therefore, this is a deal which makes sense for all parties involved.