Hull City and AFC Bournemouth linked with La Liga forward ahead of 2026/27 Premier League season

Hull City are reportedly in the race to sign Elche forward Alvaro Rodriguez as they gear up for a return to the Premier League.

The Tigers will compete in the top flight next term having edged past Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final.

Hull managed to seal promotion while operating under the constraints of a transfer embargo, but will be able to fork out fees this summer.

Alvaro Rodriguez has scored seven goals across 34 appearances for La Liga outfit Elche. | David Ramos/Getty Images

placeholder image — Alvaro Rodriguez has scored seven goals across 34 appearances for La Liga outfit Elche. | David Ramos/Getty Images

Hull City ‘in the race’ for Elche star

According to reporter Matteo Moretto, Hull are among the clubs vying for the signature of former Spain and Uruguay youth international Rodriguez.

A product of the Girona and Real Madrid youth systems, Rodriguez made 10 appearances at senior level for the latter before joining Elche last summer.

He has since scored seven goals in 34 appearances for Los Franjiverdes, who finished 15th in the La Liga table last season.

“Significant” offers are said to have been tabled for the marksman, who is reportedly in the sights of Hull and their new Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth.

Posting on X, Moretto said: “Alvaro Rodríguez, Elche's forward, is on the radar of the Premier League. Significant offers have already arrived for him, around €22m (£19m). Bournemouth and Hull City are in the race.”

Alvaro Rodriguez started his senior career at Real Madrid. | Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Hull City gearing up for the Premier League

The gap between the Championship and the Premier League is a significant one, but one Leeds United and Sunderland managed to bridge last season.

Hull will be hoping to emulate the Whites and the Black Cats, although may need more firepower to do so. Rodriguez has had plenty of La Liga exposure at a young age and at just 21, there is plenty of room for improvement.

Another attacker Hull may wish to pursue is Leeds’ Joe Gelhardt, who spent the 2025/26 season on loan at the MKM Stadium.

Having delivered a 15-goal haul in Hull colours, the 24-year-old has strongly hinted he would like to return for a third spell.

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