Inside Hull City’s failed pursuit of Keinan Davis as Oscar Estupinan transfer exit addressed
Hull City missed out on the signing of Keinan Davis, with the striker joining Serie A side Udinese last week
Vice-chairman Tan Kesler has defended Hull City’s decision to let Oscar Estupinan leave the club on transfer deadline-day. The Colombian frontman, the Tigers’ top-scorer last season, moved to French Ligue 1 newcomers Metz on a season-long loan last week.
Hull Live understands Metz have paid a seven-figure loan fee to the Championship club with the total value of the deal worth around £5m, should the option-to-buy clause be activated next summer. City tried to bolster their attack before the window closed but they failed to land Keinan Davis as the player opted to join Udinese after the Serie A side sold Portugal forward Beto to Everton.
Speaking to BBC Humberside Sport, Kesler said: “Letting Oscar go was not about replacing him with Keinan Davis. Keinan Davis was one of the opportunities that appeared.
“Liam, myself and the chairman had an amazing two interviews with him. We sat down with him and spoke very genuinely and openly. He was someone we always wanted to sign before Oscar.
“It was the right moment and I want to thank Aston Villa’s football executive Damien Monchi. We have a very good relationship
“We were Keinan’s number one choice in England. He openly said this.
“But he wanted to chase that Serie A dream. He wanted to experience Serie A and I wish him nothing but the best.
“It became competing with Udinese when they sold Beto (to Everton) for a significant amount and it became very difficult in terms of the financials.
“If it (the deal) happened, it would have been great. We would then have had a problem of four strikers and who is going to play.
“We decided to do this Oscar move independently. He chose us last year among many offers. I saw some of the offers (he had) from the Middle East last year that were ridiculous.
“He decided to choose the football project. He believed in us so we had to do the right thing for him as well and give him more opportunities to play more minutes and come back and gain more confidence.”
Although City missed out on “one or two” targets, Kesler was pleased with their transfer business. The Tigers signed 10 players in the window, including three on deadline-day.
Kesler said: “We chased some very good players. We competed. Some of them decided to go abroad. Some of them decided to come to us.
“With Liam [Rosenior, head coach], we have created a playing philosophy and team spirit so we wanted to improve the squad rather than just sign players to get the city excited.
“All of the players we have signed are part of the process. I’m very satisfied and I’m sure the fans are satisfied and excited.”
