Acun Ilicali, owner of newly promoted Premier League club Hull City, addressed recent transfer speculation in an unusual social media post on Thursday. The club, returning to England’s top flight for the first time in nine years, has made several additions ahead of the new season, including defender Matt Targett, goalkeeper Jack Butland, and midfielder Oscar Zambrano.

Despite these signings, media reports have suggested Hull City’s pursuit of certain targets has been unsuccessful. Ilicali expressed frustration with these claims in a post on X, formerly Twitter, where he shared a cryptic shortlist featuring 11 unnamed players accompanied by percentages and national flags as hints for supporters. Among the names, a player designated as Target No. 4 bore the Japanese flag alongside a 99 percent marker, widely interpreted as indicating the club’s interest in free-agent midfielder Hidemasa Morita.

“We are reading dozens of false transfer rumours. We’re disturbed by the claims that we have been rejected,” Ilicali wrote. “We have been working for two months. I believe we will build a team that we will all be proud of.”

Hull City’s return to the Premier League marks a significant milestone for the club, and Ilicali’s commitment to strengthening the squad suggests a continued focus on strategic recruitment ahead of the new campaign. The owner’s involvement and active communication with fans through social media indicate a hands-on approach as the club navigates the transfer window.