Hull City Faces Setback as Fortini Joins Torino and David Stays at Juventus

Hull City’s Italian recruitment drive has hit a wall. Twice.

Niccolò Fortini has officially joined Torino on loan from Fiorentina, with an option to buy, while Juventus forward Jonathan David has reportedly rejected a move to the MKM Stadium.

Fortini chooses Granata over Premier League gamble

Torino confirmed on Friday that Fortini has arrived on an initial loan from Fiorentina. Italian outlet TMW reports the deal is worth €500,000 for the season, with an option to buy set at €9.5m.

The 20-year-old, a versatile full-back, had been in talks with Hull City and was seen as a realistic target. Italian reports indicated last week that Fortini had already made up his mind in favour of Torino, and that stance has now been rubber-stamped.

Fiorentina moved to protect their asset before letting him go. Fortini’s contract in Florence was due to run until June 2027, but La Viola extended it to 2030 before sanctioning the loan, underlining how highly they rate the Italy U21 defender.

For Hull, it’s a near miss. For Torino, it’s a calculated bet on a young defender with room – and time – to grow.

David turns Hull down as well

If missing out on Fortini stung, the next development cut a little deeper.

According to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, Hull also made an approach for Juventus forward Jonathan David. The Canada international, however, is said to have turned down the chance to move to England, preferring to remain in Turin and fight for his place.

Two targets. Two rejections from Serie A.

Hull’s search for reinforcements goes on, but the message from Italy this week has been clear: the Premier League club will have to look elsewhere.