Hull City 'in talks' over deal to sign ex-Manchester United, Aston Villa and Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe
Hull City have been credited with interest in a free agent defender with Premier League experience
Hull City are reportedly in talks over a deal to sign free agent defender Axel Tuanzebe following the expiry of his contract at Burnley.
The 28-year-old has suffered back-to-back relegations from the Premier League in recent years, dropping out with Ipswich Town before experiencing the same fate with Burnley.
He only penned one-year deal at Turf Moor and the Clarets have not announced the centre-back will be staying put.
England fans will recognise Tuanzebe as one of the DR Congo players who helped give the Three Lions a scare on Wednesday (July 1), as Thomas Tuchel’s men scraped through the round of 32 with a 2-1 win.
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Hull City in Axel Tuanzebe ‘talks’
According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Tuanzebe could secure a Premier League stay with newly-promoted Hull.
The Tigers are said to have engaged in talks with the defender, who represented England at youth level before switching international allegiance.
Posting on X, he said: “Hull in talks over a deal for Axel Tuanzebe. The DR Congo centre-back, 28, was excellent in L32 game vs England. Discussions over staying in Premier League following HCAFC promotion. Free agent after leaving Burnley.”
Axel Tuanzebe’s career path
Tuanzebe is a product of Manchester United’s academy and won the club’s coveted Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in 2015.
He went on to amass 37 senior appearances for the Red Devils and spent time on loan at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City ahead of his permanent exit in 2023.
A promotion-winning Championship campaign with Ipswich followed his Old Trafford departure, but he could not keep the Tractor Boys afloat in the Premier League.
He was snapped up by Burnley post-relegation and made 16 appearances for the club last term, seeing his minutes limited by injury.
Tuanzebe has made a total of 64 appearances at Premier League level, scoring once.