With the semi-final ties of the World Cup now decided, Brad Rial looks at five stars of the tournament who could be an attractive proposition for Hull City.
We know Steve Bruce watched as many games as he could while on his summer break in America. Could any of these stand-outs have caught his eye? Let us know who has impressed you as a potential Tigers player for next season.![jcampbell]()
Joel Campbell– Costa Rica and Arsenal• Age: 22• Position: Forward• Transfer fee: Loan
Campbell played a huge role in Costa Rica's progression to a first ever quarter-final. That journey ended last night as the young striker was substituted before Costa Rica went out to the Netherlands on penalties.
But alongside Fulham flop Bryan Ruiz, Campbell has been his country's standout attacker and his performances at the tournament will not have gone unnoticed by club boss Arsene Wenger.
He scored the equaliser against Uruguay before providing a brilliant assist for Costa Rica's third with a measured, inch-perfect through ball to teammate Marco Urena. It was arguably the pass of the tournament thus far.
The Arsenal youngster also impressed against Italy and England, before netting a penalty in the second round shootout against Greece. A strong and pacy player, he is very direct with the ball at his feet and his ability to retain possession is something to be admired. In an unfancied Costa Rican side, such skills have proved invaluable.
He is still very raw, though. And that is why another loan move away from the Emirates may prove beneficial. There will be some Arsenal fans that think he should be given an opportunity in the first team but it would be some risk by Wenger to throw him in at the deep end so soon. He has only just turned 22, after all.
He spent last season on loan at Olympiakos and proved himself against top quality opposition in the Champions League. A move to another Premier League side, like City, is likely, with reports yesterday suggesting Wenger was looking to loan Campbell again, at least until January, with West Ham, Everton, Southampton and Newcastle suggested as options. City's signing record so far this year would place them among the same category of clubs.
Steve Bruce's pursuit of Tom Ince suggests that he is on the lookout for another attacker and if that move weren't to come off, it may be worth him giving Mr Wenger a call.
Bruce has, in the past, taken the likes of Sebastian Larsson and Nicklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal and developed them well. So if Campbell were to make the switch to the KC from the Gunners, he'd certainly be in safe hands.![gcameron]()
Geoff Cameron– USA • Age: 28• Position: Right back/centre back• Transfer fee: £2-4m
The USA established themselves as everyone's second team at the World Cup before their heroic elimination against Belgium on Tuesday night. From Tim Howard's remarkable exploits between the sticks, to Clint Dempsey's goalscoring antics up front, our friends from across the pond sure made their own unique mark on this year's tournament.
And one man who played an important part in their run was Stoke City's Geoff Cameron. The 28-year-old typified the Americans' never-say-die attitude and he can look back on his performances at the tournament with immense pride.
He was at fault for Portugal's last-minute equaliser during USA's second group match and was subsequently dropped for the final match against the Germans. But coach Jurgen Klinsmann clearly values Cameron and he didn't let anyone down with his display on his return to the starting XI against Belgium.
Cameron was linked with a move to the Tigers just last month. His days at the Britannia Stadium appear to be numbered as the Potters have already brought in Phil Bardsley from Premier League rivals Sunderland.
If they were to let him go – as seems fairly likely – it would come as somewhat of a surprise. Cameron made 41 appearances for the club in all competitions last season and he was one of the men that shone in guiding Stoke to a highest ever finish in the Premier League.
His adaptability will make him a target for a number of Premier League clubs if he is allowed to move on to pastures new. Despite operating as a centre back for the States during the World Cup, his preferred position – or, at least, where he played the majority of his games for Stoke last season – is right back. Throw in the fact that he can also operate in the centre of midfield and he becomes the ultimate utility man.
If Steve Bruce opts to make a move, an offer of between £2-4 million may be enough to tempt Mark Hughes into selling. His versatility would be welcome in what is a City squad still a little thin on the ground in defensive areas.![jayew]()
Jordan Ayew– Ghana• Age: 22• Position: Forward• Transfer fee: £3-5m
Jordan Ayew is another World Cup star that has been linked to City in the past. The word 'star' is used loosely in this case, though, as Ayew, along with the majority of his teammates, disappointed as Ghana crashed out at the group stages with only a point.
He started in the first game against the USA before being dropped for the Black Stars' remaining two group fixtures. At 22, he will surely get the chance to make his stamp on the tournament again.
A move looks almost certain for Ayew this summer as he has been deemed surplus to requirements by club Olympique Marseille. He was shipped out on loan to FC Sochaux for the second half of last season as he looked to get in shape ahead of the World Cup. He scored five goals in 17 games for them.
Ayew can play as an out and out striker or as a left-sided forward and he thrives on dribbling the ball past his opponent. His big brother, Andre, was Ghana's standout performer at the tournament, scoring two goals, and he also plies his trade at Marseille.
Jordan would probably benefit from a move away from the club, not least because it would mean he'd be stepping out of the shadows of his elder sibling. Andre is the better of the two players and has attracted reported interest from Liverpool in the past.
A fresh start without the burden of his higher profile brother is needed for Jordan and that may just come at the KC Stadium. City, along with West Brom, are believed to have shown an interest in bringing him to England on more than one occasion. He may be one to watch.![komeruo]()
Kenneth Omeruo– Nigeria and Chelsea• Age: 20• Position: Centre back• Transfer fee: Loan
Kenneth Omeruo may be an unfamiliar name to many but his stock is slowly but surely rising, both on the club and international front. At just 20 years old, Omeruo was one of the stars of Nigeria's World Cup campaign and he has gained plaudits for his strong performances.
The Chelsea youngster, whose preferred position is centre back, played every minute of the Super Eagles' four games at the tournament. His partnership with the now-retired Joseph Yobo proved to have the perfect blend of youthfulness and experience. With those two at the heart of the defence, Nigeria didn't concede in their first two matches.
The pair eventually came unstuck against a Lionel Messi inspired Argentina but Omeruo could again come out of the game with his head held high. A strong, athletic defender, he has already proven himself on the highest possible stage.
Like Campbell, though, the thing he needs now is regular first team football, and a club like City may just suit him. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship and boss Aitor Karanka is supposedly keen on his return to the Riverside.
But when you consider the tournament Omeruo has just had, there will surely be offers from higher placed clubs than Boro.
City look to be close to securing the signature of Michael Dawson and it is clear that the centre back position remains a priority. Even if the Spurs man does arrive, it is an area that could still do with a touch more depth, especially if Steve Bruce sticks with the 3-5-2 system.
Omeruo would definitely be a handy addition to a squad that will surely be rotated next season, particularly if City progress to the group stages of the Europa League.![catsu]()
Christian Atsu - Ghana and Chelsea• Age: 22• Position: Winger• Transfer fee: Loan
Atsu is a player of similar calibre to the aforementioned Ayew. Like his Ghanaian teammate, he is 22 years old and they also both operate on the left wing. Atsu faired a little better at the World Cup, starting all three matches, but he was unable to prevent a group stage exit.
He signed for Chelsea last summer but is yet to make a first team appearance for the club. Atsu is just one of a number of players that the Blues seem to stockpile, then farm out to feeder club Vitesse Arnhem, before releasing them without having played a single game.
His performances whilst on loan at Vitesse last season were impressive, but when you consider the line of attacking talent ahead of him in the pecking order, he's not going to get a look in. The likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Andre Schurrle, Mohamed Salah and new arrival Cesc Fabregas will take some shifting.
Atsu has already confirmed that he will not be heading back to Vitesse next season, which should place clubs on alert. Chelsea are unlikely to want to sell him at such an early stage in his contract, so another loan looks like the more viable option.
Like Arsene Wenger with Joel Campbell, Jose Mourinho may feel that Atsu would benefit from a spell in the Premier League to get him accustomed to the English game. A club like City could be perfect for him.
If Steve Bruce were interested in signing Atsu, Omeruo or Campbell on loan, he'd need to pick his moves carefully. Premier League rules state that no more than two domestic loans per club are allowed.
Out of the three potential loanees mentioned on this list, Campbell and Omeruo are the two that have impressed the most at the World Cup and they both looked destined for careers at the top of the game.
Joel Campbell– Costa Rica and Arsenal• Age: 22• Position: Forward• Transfer fee: Loan
Campbell played a huge role in Costa Rica's progression to a first ever quarter-final. That journey ended last night as the young striker was substituted before Costa Rica went out to the Netherlands on penalties.
But alongside Fulham flop Bryan Ruiz, Campbell has been his country's standout attacker and his performances at the tournament will not have gone unnoticed by club boss Arsene Wenger.
He scored the equaliser against Uruguay before providing a brilliant assist for Costa Rica's third with a measured, inch-perfect through ball to teammate Marco Urena. It was arguably the pass of the tournament thus far.
The Arsenal youngster also impressed against Italy and England, before netting a penalty in the second round shootout against Greece. A strong and pacy player, he is very direct with the ball at his feet and his ability to retain possession is something to be admired. In an unfancied Costa Rican side, such skills have proved invaluable.
He is still very raw, though. And that is why another loan move away from the Emirates may prove beneficial. There will be some Arsenal fans that think he should be given an opportunity in the first team but it would be some risk by Wenger to throw him in at the deep end so soon. He has only just turned 22, after all.
He spent last season on loan at Olympiakos and proved himself against top quality opposition in the Champions League. A move to another Premier League side, like City, is likely, with reports yesterday suggesting Wenger was looking to loan Campbell again, at least until January, with West Ham, Everton, Southampton and Newcastle suggested as options. City's signing record so far this year would place them among the same category of clubs.
Steve Bruce's pursuit of Tom Ince suggests that he is on the lookout for another attacker and if that move weren't to come off, it may be worth him giving Mr Wenger a call.
Bruce has, in the past, taken the likes of Sebastian Larsson and Nicklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal and developed them well. So if Campbell were to make the switch to the KC from the Gunners, he'd certainly be in safe hands.
Geoff Cameron– USA • Age: 28• Position: Right back/centre back• Transfer fee: £2-4m
The USA established themselves as everyone's second team at the World Cup before their heroic elimination against Belgium on Tuesday night. From Tim Howard's remarkable exploits between the sticks, to Clint Dempsey's goalscoring antics up front, our friends from across the pond sure made their own unique mark on this year's tournament.
And one man who played an important part in their run was Stoke City's Geoff Cameron. The 28-year-old typified the Americans' never-say-die attitude and he can look back on his performances at the tournament with immense pride.
He was at fault for Portugal's last-minute equaliser during USA's second group match and was subsequently dropped for the final match against the Germans. But coach Jurgen Klinsmann clearly values Cameron and he didn't let anyone down with his display on his return to the starting XI against Belgium.
Cameron was linked with a move to the Tigers just last month. His days at the Britannia Stadium appear to be numbered as the Potters have already brought in Phil Bardsley from Premier League rivals Sunderland.
If they were to let him go – as seems fairly likely – it would come as somewhat of a surprise. Cameron made 41 appearances for the club in all competitions last season and he was one of the men that shone in guiding Stoke to a highest ever finish in the Premier League.
His adaptability will make him a target for a number of Premier League clubs if he is allowed to move on to pastures new. Despite operating as a centre back for the States during the World Cup, his preferred position – or, at least, where he played the majority of his games for Stoke last season – is right back. Throw in the fact that he can also operate in the centre of midfield and he becomes the ultimate utility man.
If Steve Bruce opts to make a move, an offer of between £2-4 million may be enough to tempt Mark Hughes into selling. His versatility would be welcome in what is a City squad still a little thin on the ground in defensive areas.
Jordan Ayew– Ghana• Age: 22• Position: Forward• Transfer fee: £3-5m
Jordan Ayew is another World Cup star that has been linked to City in the past. The word 'star' is used loosely in this case, though, as Ayew, along with the majority of his teammates, disappointed as Ghana crashed out at the group stages with only a point.
He started in the first game against the USA before being dropped for the Black Stars' remaining two group fixtures. At 22, he will surely get the chance to make his stamp on the tournament again.
A move looks almost certain for Ayew this summer as he has been deemed surplus to requirements by club Olympique Marseille. He was shipped out on loan to FC Sochaux for the second half of last season as he looked to get in shape ahead of the World Cup. He scored five goals in 17 games for them.
Ayew can play as an out and out striker or as a left-sided forward and he thrives on dribbling the ball past his opponent. His big brother, Andre, was Ghana's standout performer at the tournament, scoring two goals, and he also plies his trade at Marseille.
Jordan would probably benefit from a move away from the club, not least because it would mean he'd be stepping out of the shadows of his elder sibling. Andre is the better of the two players and has attracted reported interest from Liverpool in the past.
A fresh start without the burden of his higher profile brother is needed for Jordan and that may just come at the KC Stadium. City, along with West Brom, are believed to have shown an interest in bringing him to England on more than one occasion. He may be one to watch.
Kenneth Omeruo– Nigeria and Chelsea• Age: 20• Position: Centre back• Transfer fee: Loan
Kenneth Omeruo may be an unfamiliar name to many but his stock is slowly but surely rising, both on the club and international front. At just 20 years old, Omeruo was one of the stars of Nigeria's World Cup campaign and he has gained plaudits for his strong performances.
The Chelsea youngster, whose preferred position is centre back, played every minute of the Super Eagles' four games at the tournament. His partnership with the now-retired Joseph Yobo proved to have the perfect blend of youthfulness and experience. With those two at the heart of the defence, Nigeria didn't concede in their first two matches.
The pair eventually came unstuck against a Lionel Messi inspired Argentina but Omeruo could again come out of the game with his head held high. A strong, athletic defender, he has already proven himself on the highest possible stage.
Like Campbell, though, the thing he needs now is regular first team football, and a club like City may just suit him. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship and boss Aitor Karanka is supposedly keen on his return to the Riverside.
But when you consider the tournament Omeruo has just had, there will surely be offers from higher placed clubs than Boro.
City look to be close to securing the signature of Michael Dawson and it is clear that the centre back position remains a priority. Even if the Spurs man does arrive, it is an area that could still do with a touch more depth, especially if Steve Bruce sticks with the 3-5-2 system.
Omeruo would definitely be a handy addition to a squad that will surely be rotated next season, particularly if City progress to the group stages of the Europa League.
Christian Atsu - Ghana and Chelsea• Age: 22• Position: Winger• Transfer fee: Loan
Atsu is a player of similar calibre to the aforementioned Ayew. Like his Ghanaian teammate, he is 22 years old and they also both operate on the left wing. Atsu faired a little better at the World Cup, starting all three matches, but he was unable to prevent a group stage exit.
He signed for Chelsea last summer but is yet to make a first team appearance for the club. Atsu is just one of a number of players that the Blues seem to stockpile, then farm out to feeder club Vitesse Arnhem, before releasing them without having played a single game.
His performances whilst on loan at Vitesse last season were impressive, but when you consider the line of attacking talent ahead of him in the pecking order, he's not going to get a look in. The likes of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Andre Schurrle, Mohamed Salah and new arrival Cesc Fabregas will take some shifting.
Atsu has already confirmed that he will not be heading back to Vitesse next season, which should place clubs on alert. Chelsea are unlikely to want to sell him at such an early stage in his contract, so another loan looks like the more viable option.
Like Arsene Wenger with Joel Campbell, Jose Mourinho may feel that Atsu would benefit from a spell in the Premier League to get him accustomed to the English game. A club like City could be perfect for him.
If Steve Bruce were interested in signing Atsu, Omeruo or Campbell on loan, he'd need to pick his moves carefully. Premier League rules state that no more than two domestic loans per club are allowed.
Out of the three potential loanees mentioned on this list, Campbell and Omeruo are the two that have impressed the most at the World Cup and they both looked destined for careers at the top of the game.