Hull City's owner, Acun Ilicali, posted on X to counter false transfer rumors and provide supporters with hints regarding the club's transfer targets. One of these hints, described as involving a Japanese player at 60%, is possibly a reference to NEC's 22-year-old midfielder, Kodai Sano. The midfielder has also been linked with several other clubs, including Ajax, PSV and TSG Hoffenheim, and NEC's valuation of the player is reportedly high.