--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-26T03:30:47.121Z last_updated: 2026-07-19T08:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/hull-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaHVsbGRhaWx5bWFpbC5jby51ay9zcG9ydC9mb290YmFsbC90cmFuc2Zlci1uZXdzL2ZpdmUtZnJlZS1hZ2VudHMtaHVsbC1jaXR5LTExMDYzMDUw --- # Five free agents Hull City could including ex-Man Utd star and World Cup hero - **Source:** - **Published:** 19 Jul - **Club:** Hull City - **Original URL:** https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/five-free-agents-hull-city-11063050 Hull City have been linked with well over 60 players over the past few weeks since their sensational promotion to the Premier League, and those names will continue as the new campaign edges ever closer. City have so far signed Jack Butland, and are closing in on the signings of a couple more, which they hope will be completed in the next few days. One key area City used brilliantly last season was the free transfer market, and while that was through necessity because of their restrictions, it still worked out well. This time round, City know they need 10 to 12 new faces, and with a limited budget, using all the avenues open to them will be crucial. With that in mind, Hull Live has picked out five out-of-contract players who could prove to be bargain additions before the transfer window closes. A new central defender is understood to remain a priority at the MKM Stadium. City have been consistently linked with a host of defenders throughout the summer, and that will continue. Could they do worse than look at the experienced Stones? The 32-year-old left Manchester City in June following a trophy-laden ten-year spell and is currently without a club. Leeds may have to be patient, however, with reports suggesting Stones will not decide his future until after the World Cup, but a return to Yorkshire could appeal to the Barnsley-born defender. Salary would be an issue, but the guarantee of first-team football, as well as nurturing Charlie Hughes and being back in his home county, could be to City's advantage. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest Hull City news and analysis on our Hull Live FB page The versatile German playmaker is available on a free after bringing the curtain down on an eight-year spell with Borussia Dortmund. At 30, Brandt still has plenty to offer and could be a valuable asset across several attacking positions. La Liga side Real Betis and Turkish giants Besiktas are also understood to be interested. We know the Tigers want some experience, having gone for Thomas Meunier before he opted for Sunderland, so this would represent a smart move, though he has been strongly linked with a move to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United. Oleksandr Zinchenko is another experienced option available on a free transfer. The Ukrainian has enjoyed successful spells with Manchester City and Arsenal before spending the second half of last season with Ajax. His loan stint at Nottingham Forest last season was underwhelming, but under a manager like Sergej Jakirovic, he could flourish. A knee injury curtailed his time in Amsterdam, but the 29-year-old's versatility and Premier League pedigree could make him an attractive option. Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe is also searching for a new club after leaving Burnley. The DR Congo international impressed at the World Cup and has amassed significant Premier League experience despite suffering successive relegations with Ipswich Town and Burnley. Hull City are among the clubs understood to be interested, but that has not progressed any further at this stage. He represents a solid free transfer option. The defensive midfielder left Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season, after making just 11 appearances in North London. The Mali international has played 202 times in the Premier League. Bissouma is currently training with Fulham in a bid to stay in shape, but it's been reported that the 29-year-old is not expected to sign for the Cottagers. Here at Hull Live , we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group.