We secure £55m loan to fuel Hull City's Premier League push

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali says the club has taken out a £55m bridging loan to be in a "strong financial position" for their return to the top flight, despite being close to receiving their first wave of Premier League money.

We need the cash to be strong in the Premier League and to complete summer signings quickly; Ilicali explained that it takes around two to three weeks to get some transfers over the line, so the club must move fast.

The £55m loan comes from a third‑party investment group, a move that football finance expert Kieran Maguire described last week as "strange" and said it "leaves you scratching your head a little bit".

Ilicali answered the criticism by asking, "Why is it strange?" and stressed that the club wants to be financially strong to make transfers, adding that he respects the discussion but the priority is a strong financial position.

He said the money has simply been brought forward so Hull City can be stronger in the transfer market and use it for the club's benefit, urging fans not to worry and promising that the funds will enable good summer signings.

Listeners can hear the full interview on BBC Sounds, where Ilicali reiterated that the loan will help the club secure the players it needs and asked supporters to stay confident.