Jakirović reveals desire to sign duo for Hull City – Encourages star to pick Manchester City over Tigers

Hull City manager Jakirović backed Dinamo Zagreb striker Beljo for a top club like Manchester City, while confirming his desire to sign Croatian players in January after missing out on Pašalić and Ivanović.

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirović has publicly backed Dinamo Zagreb striker Dion Drena Beljo to join an elite club like Manchester City rather than the Tigers. When asked if Beljo could play in the Premier League, Jakirović said he could play for Hull but suggested he would be better suited to Manchester City's level, where he could score goals like Erling Haaland if given enough chances.

The 24-year-old has impressed this season with 17 goals and eight assists in 18 matches for Dinamo Zagreb, and has attracted interest from Everton. Jakirović confirmed Hull's interest in signing Croatian players in the January window, having missed out on Orlando City's Marco Pašalić and Benfica's Franjo Ivanović (on loan at RC Lens) in the summer. He cited work permit regulations as a factor, noting that Croatian and Bosnian national team players have clearer pathways to England than other nationalities. Other potential targets mentioned include Fruk, Pukštaš, Stojković, Radeljić and Galešić.