Hull City owner hints that superstar wanted by Barcelona and two Premier League clubs will be sold

07/02/2024 11:49 AM

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali might have indicated that Jaden Philogene could be on his way out of the club.

The 22-year-old, who shocked the world with his rabona goal last season, has been linked with a big move to Barcelona this summer.

As well as the Spanish giants, West Ham and Everton have also been reported to be taking an interest in the winger, talkSPORT understands.

But holding onto the youngster might be difficult for the Tigers, who signed him in the summer of 2023 from Aston Villa.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Hull City president Acun has admitted that he would never stand in the way of anyone who asked him to leave the club.

When asked if Barca were really keen on Philogene, Acun replied: “Yes, everything is true. But I told my fans that I would sign nobody.

“My idea in football is not to make money, my idea is to make a stronger and bigger club. But to make a bigger club, sometimes if a player says, ‘I want to go’, that is a different case.

“For me, one player change is not the end of the world. But my players, I would never want to rein in their careers or their moves because of a contract I have.

“So in that case, if Jaden wants to move and he says he wants to go somewhere, this is something we cannot do too much about because this is his life.

“I love all my boys, I am responsible for their careers. So they don’t need to play with us if they don’t want to play with us.”

Philogene had a fine season at Hull as they narrowly missed out on a Championship play-off spot.

The youngster played 32 Championship games, scoring 12 and grabbing six assists, including his stunning rabona against Rotherham that went viral around the world.

But after the Tigers missed out on promotion, the club are now finding it difficult to keep hold of their top players – including Philogene – while manager Liam Rosenior was sacked.

Everton and West Ham are keen on bolstering their attacks this summer after both endured tough seasons in front of goal.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have been reported to have already made an offer for the former Aston Villa ace after heavily scouting the forward.