Hull City have bolstered their squad ahead of the new campaign by completing the signings of forward Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United and French midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath from Red Bull Salzburg, both for undisclosed fees.
The two arrivals take the Tigers' summer recruitment tally to eleven new faces since the club secured promotion back to the Premier League last season, underlining the ambition at the MKM Stadium as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Gelhardt, 24, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract that includes the option of an additional twelve months. His move represents a return to East Yorkshire after two loan spells at the club over the past eighteen months proved highly successful. During that time, the forward netted 14 goals in the Championship last season and produced a decisive moment in the play-off second leg against Millwall, scoring the goal that sealed Hull's progression.
A product of Wigan Athletic's academy, Gelhardt moved to Leeds where his first-team opportunities were limited, managing just three goals in 57 appearances across various spells, including loan stints at Sunderland and Hull. His performances during his time on loan at Hull, however, appear to have convinced both parties that a permanent switch made sense for all involved.
Speaking after finalising the move, Gelhardt expressed his delight at securing a lasting future with the club. "I'm over the moon. It's been a great 18 months playing here - I've loved every minute of it. Since the season ended, I knew exactly where I wanted to be. Thankfully, it's happened," he said. He also spoke of the bond he has developed with supporters and staff during his loan spells, adding, "As soon as I joined the club, I connected with the fans, the staff, all the players. I'm happy to be here on a permanent now, rather than a loan."
Alongside Gelhardt's arrival, Hull have also secured the services of Lucas Gourna-Douath on a five-year deal, a significant show of faith in the French midfielder's long-term potential. Gourna-Douath began his professional career at Saint-Etienne, where he featured 65 times before making the switch to Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg in 2022.
Over four seasons with Salzburg, the midfielder made 95 appearances, establishing himself as a regular part of their squad before spending the second half of last season on loan in France with Le Havre, where he made 15 Ligue 1 appearances.
Reflecting on the protracted process that eventually led to his move to Hull, Gourna-Douath admitted the deal took time to come together but expressed excitement over the switch. "I'm really happy because it was such a long journey from the first phone call until I signed. I'm so excited to get started," he said. He also spoke highly of the club's reputation and the atmosphere he expects to experience at his new home. "I know Hull City is a big family club. Playing in front of our fans will be fun. It will be amazing for me," he added.
With both signings now completed, Hull's recruitment drive continues to take shape as the club looks to build a squad capable of competing at a higher level following last season's promotion. Gelhardt and Gourna-Douath will now look to integrate quickly into the squad as pre-season preparations continue.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.