Hull City Faces Italian Transfer Setback with Fortini and David

Hull City’s push into the Italian market has hit a brick wall, with Niccolò Fortini officially unveiled by Torino and Juventus forward Jonathan David also turning down a move to the MKM Stadium.

Fortini chooses Torino over Hull

Torino confirmed on Friday that versatile full-back Niccolò Fortini has joined the Granata from Fiorentina on loan with an option to buy, ending Hull’s hopes of bringing him to England.

The deal, according to TMW, is an initial loan worth €500,000, with Torino holding an option to make the transfer permanent for €9.5m. Before the move, Fiorentina moved to protect their asset, extending Fortini’s contract from 2027 to 2030 and then sending him out to gain experience in Turin.

Hull had been in the race. The Premier League side held talks with the 20-year-old, but Italian reports had already indicated last week that Fortini had made up his mind and chosen Torino. Now it’s official, and the defender will continue his development in Serie A rather than testing himself in England.

David also rejects MKM switch

If that setback wasn’t enough, Hull have been hit by a second rejection from Turin.

Tuttosport reports that Juventus forward Jonathan David has also turned down an approach from the Premier League club. The Canada international, who has been the subject of growing interest across Europe, is said to be intent on staying in Turin and fighting for his place rather than making the jump to the MKM Stadium.

Two targets. Two firm noes. As Hull look to reinforce ahead of the new campaign, they now know Italy will not provide the quick solutions they were chasing.