Hull City eyeing 44-year-old as Ruben Selles successor - he's one of two candidates | OneFootball

The former Newcastle United midfielder Emre Belözoğlu has emerged as a front-runner for the vacant manager's job at Hull City.

Emre Belözoğlu has emerged as a front-runner for the vacant managerial position at Hull City, according to reports.

Hull have been in the hunt for a new manager since sacking Ruben Selles on the 15th May following a disappointing season in the Championship. He was the third Hull manager to be sacked by the club in the last twelve months, and the fifth since the club's sale in 2022.

The Tigers finished the 2024/25 season in 21st place in the Championship, surviving relegation on goal difference only above Luton Town after drawing 1-1 at Portsmouth on the last day of the season, while Luton lost 5-3 at West Bromwich Albion.

Emre Belözoğlu named as "leading candidate for job"

Mike White of Radio Humberside clarified the club's interest in Emre: "Antalyaspor manager Emre Belözoğlu is the leading candidate for @HullCity job having been considered previously Acun Ilicali".

Emre was investigated for racist comments three times in four months while playing for Newcastle during the 2006/07 season by players from Everton, Bolton and Watford, although on each occasion he was either cleared or no charges were pressed. He also received a suspended prison sentence in 2014 for using a racist slur during a Süper Lig match between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor in 2012.

His managerial career started with an interim position at Fenerbahçe in 2021, and he's gone on to manage at three other clubs since, but there may be concerns that such an appointment could lead to a backlash among supporters.

White continued: "Other options still being considered but Belözoğlu seemingly the front-runner and the man Ilicali would like to appoint according to a well-placed source."

It's further reported by Baz Cooper that Ilicali is aware of the important role fan reaction will play into this potential appointment of Emre.

Hull still considering manager in current job in England

Emre won't be the only candidate considered by the club. The Hull Daily Mail have confirmed that there are "two leading candidates to replace Ruben Selles", with Belözoğlu one of those. The other is said to be working in England but under contract at another club.

Discussions with potential new recruits were reported to have taken place in Istanbul last week between Ilicali, Sporting Director Jared Dublin, head of recruitment Martin Hodge and head of international recruitment Mustapha Yokes. It is understood that they wish to make a quick appointment this summer.