For much of his time as chairman of Hull City, Acun Ilicali has come across as a man in a hurry, but he says he would rather take his time over this summer's transfers because they will shape the direction of the club for years to come.
With financial fair play rules restricting what Hull could do in June, and with a World Cup and the loss of their sporting director further complicating matters, so far they have only signed goalkeeper Jack Butland.
But a return for midfielder Oscar Zambrano and the arrival of Swedish World Cup player Elliot Stroud are expected within the next 10 days.
TARGET: Oscar Zambrano (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
TARGET: Oscar Zambrano (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Ilicali described this summer's recruitment as "Slow, but of course in the correct way."
He explained: "It's going to be the most crucial summer because these players will determine our (next) maybe two, three years.
"We will bring 12, 13 players and any wrong (decision) on these players can make us fail in the Premier League, plus any correct choices can take us to higher places, they can double the budget.
"So everything has to be right, no chance to make mistakes."
PAITENCE: Hull City owner/ chairman Acun Ilicali (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)placeholder image
PAITENCE: Hull City owner/ chairman Acun Ilicali (Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Zambrano, whojoined on a season-long loan in 2024-25, only to have his time in East Yorkshire cut short by a doping ban, is set to join permanently from LDU Quito. Mjalby's Stroud can play anywhere on the left was a substitute in Sweden's first two World Cup games, before starting the last two.
"We are very close and we expect two more in the near future,” said Ilicali.
"I don't know which day it will be, but in 10 days we are expecting a goalkeeper and maybe a centre-back, but of course anything can change."
Ilicali acknowledged winger/striker Justin Njinmah is one of the players they are looking at.
Hull are also close to appointing Okan Ozkan as their new sporting director after the shock departure of Jared Dublin.
"Jared was a very important part of this team of course," said Ilicali. "But I always say nobody is un-replaceable. This club was in the Premier League before me so I'm not un-replaceable either."
Ilicali also explained a £55m loan taken out against the training ground and stadium lease with investment group Point72.
"The money we're going to get from Premier League is not going to be 'Hey guys, get £200m (now) and spend as you want.’
"It's coming in the long term.
"I can support from my company, but we have 40 per cent interest in Turkey and in England it is seven per cent interest so to use money from Turkey is ridiculous.
"This is a complete choice of our financial guys
"I respect my financial boys and I would ask fans to just be relaxed and just believe in us. We are trying to do some things for this club to be stronger."