Hull City Close In On International Midfield Target

Hull City are close to landing Moroccan midfielder Reda Laalaoui in what would be a rare move from the Botola Pro to the Championship.

The Tigers are reportedly in advanced talks as they aim to make the FUS Rabat youngster their first summer signing.

Hull City Close In On Moroccan Midfield Talent

Hull City look set to beat competition from across Europe for the signature of Reda Laalaoui, a 20-year-old midfielder who has impressed in the Moroccan top flight. According to Footmercato, negotiations between the Tigers and FUS Rabat are at an advanced stage, with the deal expected to be finalised in the coming days.

Should the move go through, Laalaoui would become the first player since Youssef Safri in 1999 to transfer directly from the Moroccan domestic league to English football. Safri joined Coventry City from Raja Casablanca more than two decades ago.

Laalaoui has made a name for himself at FUS Rabat thanks to his strong technique, intelligent movement and consistent performances. Able to operate as a deep-lying playmaker or in a more advanced role, he has attracted scouts from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal over the past year.

Despite this strong international interest, Hull appear to have won the race for his signature. With Championship safety confirmed on the final day of the season, Liam Rosenior’s side are now pushing ahead with transfer plans, and Laalaoui looks likely to be the first arrival of what could be a busy summer.

The midfielder is under contract until June 2026 and only made the step up to senior football last year, having previously featured for FUS Rabat Espoirs. His rapid rise in Moroccan football has not gone unnoticed, and this move could be seen as a calculated gamble by the Tigers as they continue to target emerging overseas talent.

“The agreement is close and the transfer should be concluded in the coming days,” Footmercato report, adding that Laalaoui is expected to travel to England to complete the deal.

Hull have invested heavily in international scouting under owner Acun Ilicali and this move appears to fit the club’s broader strategy of recruiting high-upside prospects from untapped markets.

Writer’s View

This potential signing reflects Hull City’s ongoing commitment to building a more global and dynamic squad. Reda Laalaoui’s arrival, should it be confirmed, would not only strengthen the midfield but also highlight the club’s willingness to look beyond conventional European markets.

With competition reportedly fierce for the Moroccan’s signature, the move would be a real statement of intent and could pave the way for further international recruitment. If Laalaoui adapts quickly to English football, he might just be one of the Championship’s surprise packages next season.