Details of Ozan Tufan’s departure from Hull City, move to Turkish Super Lig confirmed

Two years after his spectacular move from top Turkish club Fenerbahce, Ozan Tufan’s career at Hull City ended.

Tufan, the poster boy of Turkish football in recent years, has ended his career in English football after the temptation to return home became too great. The 29-year-old has signed a three-year contract with Trabzonspor, with the option of a further year, which would potentially keep him busy beyond his 33rd birthday.

Ultimately, it was his decision to move on. He wanted to return to his homeland and City were not going to stand in his way after he made it clear to Acun Ilicali that he wanted to move with all his heart. The Tigers owner has always made it clear to everyone at the club, players or staff, that he would not stand in their way if they wanted to leave.

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The decision was not easy for Tufan. For a player for whom Ilicali is a father figure, he discussed the decision at length with those around him before deciding that it was the right thing for him and his young family.

City have received a fee for Tufan, but it is well below the £4 million they paid Fenerbahce for his services two years ago. The fee is believed to be in the region of £1.7 million for a player who had another year – plus an option – left on his existing contract with the Tigers.

Whether this is a good deal or not is for fans to judge for themselves, but ultimately it was never planned for a bidding war. Trabzonspor offered a price, the player wanted to leave and rather than delay it unnecessarily, City decided to complete the deal and move on.

The news of Ozan’s impending departure came as a complete surprise to many last Friday afternoon, but this step had been in the works for some time.