Who is James Furlong? New Hull City signing profiled after Brighton transfer
Left-back James Furlong moved to Hull City on transfer deadline-day from Brighton and Hove Albion
Hull City left it late – but they managed to beat the transfer deadline to sign Brighton full-back James Furlong. The 21-year-old joined the Tigers for an undisclosed fee. He penned a three-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.
Furlong was not signed in time to be involved in Saturday’s hard-fought win at title favourites Leicester City. Liam Delap’s well taken goal nudged the Tigers into the Championship’s top-six heading into the international break. It was their third win from five matches.
Furlong will be hoping to make his City debut when they return to action next week. Coventry City visit the MKM Stadium for a clash in front of the Sky cameras a week on Friday.
So who is Furlong? Here is everything you need to know about the youngster.
Background
Furlong joined Brighton’s academy from League of Ireland outfit Shamrock Rovers in the summer 2019. He made just one appearance for Albion, coming on as a late substitute in their Carabao Cup triumph at Forest Green Rovers last season.
Furlong spent last season on loan at Scottish Premiership outfit Motherwell, appearing 16 times for the Fir Park club. Although he failed to make a senior appearance for Brighton, Furlong racked up over 70 appearances in Premier League 2 and the Under-18 Premier League.
Brighton technical director David Weir said: “James had a good loan spell with Motherwell last season and now he’s ready to play men’s football regularly.
We’ve been really pleased with the way he has progressed and it’s great to see a product of our academy get the opportunity to prove themselves in the Championship. We wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Did City need a new defender?
Yes, additional cover was needed on the left hand side of their back line after City’s hierarchy gave Brandon Fleming the green light to move to Shrewsbury Town on loan.
Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Furlong will provide competition for Ruben Vinagre. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers player caught the eye against the Foxes as the Tigers stretched their unbeaten league run to four matches.
What has Rosenior said?
“He’s someone our recruitment team were excited about and we’ve moved really quickly to secure him.
“He’s someone with a lot of potential and went on loan to Motherwell and did really well. We’re looking to develop assets at our football club and James has got real quality that I can’t wait to work with.
“His fit is completely aligned with our style of play and he’ll improve playing our way. He’s got a fantastic left foot, a great engine, enjoys defending and has natural quality in getting forward.
“We’re starting to gain a reputation as a club that want to develop young players, improve them and give them a chance.
“James knows if he achieves the levels we believe he can get to, he’s got a really good chance of breaking into our first team.”
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