Hartlepool United 'set' to sign ex-Middlesbrough and West Ham man Jordan Hugill after Rotherham United exit
Forward 'set' for non-league move after Rotherham United departure
Jordan Hugill is reportedly set to drop into the fifth tier of English football after being released by Rotherham United.
The 34-year-old forward recently saw his three-year association with the Millers come to an end following their relegation to League Two. He left having scored a total of 17 goals across 129 appearances for the South Yorkshire club.
The former Middlesbrough and Preston North End frontman, who once cost West Ham United a £10m fee, is now available to pick up on the free agent market.
Jordan Hugill ‘set’ for non-league move
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, National League outfit Hartlepool United are poised to take advantage of Hugill’s free agency.
The veteran had a loan spell with the Pools back in 2015, while on Preston’s books, and is seemingly heading back to Victoria Park.
Posting on X, O’Rourke said: “Understand Hartlepool are set to sign former West Ham and Middlesbrough striker Jordan Hugill on a free transfer.
“Hugill is a free agent following his departure from Rotherham and his arrival is a major coup for Hartlepool.”
A move to the Pools would reunite Hugill with Lee Clark, who ended last season in temporary charge of Rotherham.
Rebuild at Rotherham United
Hugill was one of 14 players shown the door by Rotherham following the end of a disastrous 2025/26 campaign. Among those to have left alongside him are Cameron Dawson, Zak Jules, Reece James and Duncan Watmore.
There is a huge rebuild job to be done at the New York Stadium, although it remains unclear who will be overseeing it.
Former England boss Steve McClaren is in post as director of football but is yet to be followed through the door by a head coach.
The club had been strongly linked with ex-Leeds United and Bradford City academy coach Ian Burchnall, although talks are said to have grinded to a halt.