Hull City’s Transfer Woes: Fortini Joins Torino, David Stays at Juventus

Hull City’s Italian raid has fallen flat. Twice.

Niccolò Fortini has officially joined Torino on loan from Fiorentina, with an option to buy, shutting the door on a move to the MKM Stadium. On the same day, reports in Italy say Juventus forward Jonathan David has also rejected an approach from the Premier League side.

For Hull, it’s a harsh reminder of how unforgiving this market can be.

Fortini chooses Granata over England

Torino confirmed on Friday that Fortini has arrived from Fiorentina on an initial loan. Italian outlet TMW report the deal is worth €500,000 for the season, with an option to buy set at €9.5m.

The 20-year-old, a versatile full-back capable of operating on either flank, had been in talks with Hull City. Italian sources had already indicated last week that he was leaning towards staying in Serie A, and that stance has now been made official.

Fiorentina moved to protect their asset before sanctioning the move. Fortini’s existing deal was due to run until June 2027, but La Viola extended his contract to 2030, then signed off the loan to Torino.

For Torino, it’s a smart, low-risk move: a young Italian international at Under-21 level, on a manageable loan fee, with a clearly defined price if he delivers. For Hull, it’s the one that got away.

David snubs MKM approach

If missing out on Fortini stung, the follow-up news from Turin will have felt worse.

Tuttosport report that Jonathan David has turned down an approach from Hull City, opting to remain at Juventus. The Canada international, who can operate across the front line, is said to be intent on staying in Turin rather than testing himself in the Premier League with Hull.

No figures have been disclosed around Hull’s move, but the message is clear enough: the club tried to tempt a high-profile Serie A forward and came up short.

Two targets. Two rejections from the same country.

Hull now face a familiar question as the window ticks on: where do they turn next, and how bold are they prepared to be to land the calibre of player they clearly want?