Hull City Recruitment Hits Wall as Fortini and David Reject Moves

Hull City’s recruitment drive has hit a wall in Italy. Twice.

First came confirmation from Turin that Niccolò Fortini has signed for Torino on loan from Fiorentina, a deal that shuts the door on the Premier League club’s pursuit of the highly rated full-back. Then came word from the other side of the city: Juventus forward Jonathan David has also rejected a move to the MKM Stadium.

Fortini picks Torino over Premier League switch

Torino announced Fortini’s arrival on Friday, securing the versatile 20-year-old defender on an initial loan from Fiorentina with an option to buy. According to TMW, the temporary deal is worth €500,000 and includes a purchase option set at €9.5m.

Fiorentina moved to protect their asset before letting him go. Fortini’s previous contract was due to expire in June 2027, but La Viola extended his deal to 2030 before sanctioning the move to Torino.

Hull City had been in talks for the Italy U21 international and were pushing for a deal, yet Italian reports had already suggested last week that Fortini’s mind was made up. He wanted Torino. The Granata have now made that choice official.

David turns down Hull approach

If that setback stung Hull, the next one cut deeper.

Tuttosport reports that Juventus forward Jonathan David has also turned down an approach from the English club. The Canada international, who has been linked with several moves in recent windows, is said to prefer staying in Turin rather than testing himself in the Premier League with Hull.

Two targets. Two rejections.

For Hull City, the message from Serie A is blunt: the market they’re fishing in is interested, but not easily persuaded.