Turkish businessman Acun Ilicali says the decision to invest in Slovenian club NK Maribor will help boost Hull City as he continues to expand his portfolio. Ilicali, who has owned Championship club City since January 2022 has bought a controlling stake in the European club after being aided by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. It's Ilicali's second foray into further club ownership after buying Irish Premiership side Shelbourne 12 months ago, before opting to sell his stake in November and seek a club elsewhere.
READ MORE: Former Hull City man sets out transfer stance ahead of pivotal summer of business The City owner looked at buying a club in Belgium and Greece before settling on Maribor, who have a rich history in European football having played in the Champions League and Europa League throughout their 63-year history as well as 16 PrvaLiga titles, more than any other domestic club in Slovenia. It's hoped the link-up with Maribor will help City with their recruitment strategy, while also giving their own youngsters exposure of playing in European football and in a competitive domestic league. James Furlong is one player who could benefit in the coming weeks, having found regular game time in East Yorkshire almost impossible to come by.
"We decided to make a team under Hull City so that it can help our operation in Hull City," Ilicali told Hull Live. "Unfortunately, Shelbourne was a beautiful club, but we saw too much difference between the clubs, so we couldn't feel like.
