Why Hull City must beat Ipswich Town to sign this £3m left-sided midfielder this summer

According to a report by the Daily Mail, Hull City are interested in signing Middlesbrough winger Marvin Johnson this summer. A report from the Hull Daily Mail goes on to claim that the Tigers were keen on acquiring Johnson’s services about a year back but the player decided to join Middlesbrough.

However, he is back on Hull’s radar and the Tigers will look to sign Johnson this time around. Besides Hull, fellow Championship outfit Ipswich Town are also interested in signing the 27-year-old.

After completing a £3m move to Boro from Oxford United last summer, Johnson endured a terrible season on Teesside. He failed to make an impact at the Riverside Stadium, and his stats do not look encouraging either.

He only appeared 17 times in the Championship last season and was able to start merely 6 games.  He chipped in with just a solitary goal and 2 assists in the league – a very meagre return from someone of his calibre.

Thus, an exit from Middlesbrough seems quite likely. One might look at his stats and wonder as to why Hull should make a move to sign him but Johnson could prove to be a valuable option for Nigel Adkins’ side. They are in dire need of a winger, following the departure of Harry Wilson back to his parent club Liverpool.

At 27 years of age, Johnson is experienced and skilled enough to make a difference at Hull. It remains to be seen if a loan deal or a permanent move is in the offing but regardless, the former Oxford United sensation could work wonders for the Tigers.

He is quite versatile and can play either on the left-wing or on the left side of midfield. Furthermore, Johnson’s dribbling and passing skills are absolutely top-notch and he is adept at holding on to the ball as well.

Also, it must be noted that ever since Tony Pulis took charge of Boro, he has preferred to deploy the likes of Adama Traore and Stewart Downing on the wings.

As a result, Johnson struggled for game time at the Riverside Stadium last season. It’s not easy for a player to make an impact at a new club – particularly when he is not given enough chances.

But there is a requirement for a player such as Johnson at Hull, and he could be a viable option for the Tigers. Be it a loan deal or a permanent move, Adkins must beat Ipswich to sign this winger in the summer.