Why Sammie Szmodics could be a smart signing for Hull City in January

According to Bristol Live (h/t Hull Daily Mail), Hull City have been credited with an interest in out-of-favour Bristol City star Sammie Szmodics ahead of the January transfer window, with Tigers boss Grant McCann keen to bolster his attack during the mid-season trading period.

The same report adds that the Tigers have made an enquiry about a potential loan deal for the 24-year-old attacker, who has also emerged as a target for Championship rivals Huddersfield Town. 

Having scouted Szmodics on several occasions over the course of the previous campaign when he was plying his trade with Colchester United in the League Two, Hull City had been linked with a move for the attacker back in the summer window (h/t Hull Daily Mail).

However, the eventually completed a move to the second-tier with Bristol City, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal at Ashton Gate until the summer of 2022. 

Ironically enough, the diminutive Colchester-born star once again finds himself on the radar of the Tigers after struggling to force his way into Lee Johnson’s plans at Bristol City.

Szmodics has started only a solitary game for the Robins in the Championship so far, which came in a 0-0 draw against Swansea City back in September. 

The 24-year-old, who bagged an impressive 38 goals and 16 assists in 162 appearances for Colchester United across all competitions, has cut a frustrated figure since his move to Ashton Gate in the summer, with his involvement in the Championship restricted to a meagre 86 minutes so far.

To that end, things haven’t really panned out in Szmodics’ favour at Bristol City and Hull City’s interest in securing his services on loan for the second half of the campaign certainly seems to make sense for all parties involved. 

Meanwhile, the Tigers currently sit 12th in the standings, following a decent first-quarter of the campaign under McCann, who took over the reins from Nigel Adkins in the summer.

However, a record of 7 wins, 5 draws and 7 losses in 19 games suggest that Hull City must cut out the inconsistencies in their game if they are to entertain hopes of securing a top-six finish in the Championship. 

Despite the strike duo of Josh Magennis and Tom Eaves scoring three goals apiece in the Championship so far, a record of 30 goals in 19 games reveals that the Tigers haven’t been short of goals in the ongoing campaign, thanks to Jarrod Bowen, who has racked up 12 goals and 4 assists. 

With that in mind, however, the East Yorkshire outfit will need the other players to chip in with some significant goal contributions as well to challenge for promotion to the Premier League. 

Plus, with key playmaker Jon Toral set to be sidelined for several months after undergoing knee surgery back in November and George Honeyman failing to make an impression, McCann needs to find a solution to the team’s ongoing creative woes.

Bowen, Grosicki and Irvine are all creative players but none of them falls within the bracket of an out-and-out No.10. 

More Hull City News

• Why Hull City should reignite their interest in Ben Whiteman
• Why Hull City should reignite their interest in Jonson Clarke-Harris
• Why Hull City need to make a decision on the future of Matthew Pennington

Verdict

A loan deal for Szmodics could prove to be an effective fix for the remainder of the season as Toral continues his recovery from an injury.

All in all, this looks like a move that could well work out in favour of all parties involved.