Mohamed-Ali Cho has become Hull City's 12th signing of the summer
Mohamed-Ali Cho has become Hull City's 12th signing of the summer(Image: Hull City AFC)
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Premier League newboys Hull City have finally completed the signing of Nice winger Mohamed-Ali Cho in a deal thought to be worth in the region of 13m euros (£11m) plus add-ons.
The talented Frenchman has penned a five-year contract at the MKM Stadium and goes straight into the squad to face Coventry City on Saturday at the CBS Arena.
His move to the MKM Stadium has been on and off throughout the summer, with City pulling out of the deal at the beginning of the month, but talks resumed with the French club after their friendly draw at the MKM Stadium almost two weeks ago.
After initially walking away from the deal, which saw the French side demanding around £20m, City have managed to secure him for just over £11m, with it potentially rising to 16m euros (£13.7m) if a number of clauses are met in what will be viewed as a smart piece of business.
Born in France, Ali Cho moved to London as a baby and was part of the Everton academy, even playing for England’s Under-19s, before moving back to France and then opting to play for Les Bleus, including a spell at Paris Saint-Germain's academy.
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There will be some familiar faces in the City dressing room for Ali Cho, with him knowing Nobel Mendy, Lucas Gourna-Douath and Darko Gyabi, which will only help him settle in more quickly.
“I’m really excited. I’m very happy to be here and looking forward to helping the team as soon as possible," the 22-year-old said. “Coming back to the UK is a really positive point, and then the experience of playing in the Premier League. I’m excited to experience this league – it’s the best league in the world. It’s going to be a really good challenge.
“It was a good experience in France. I spent a good few years at Nice, played in Europe and really enjoyed it. I’m really happy to be back in the UK now and close to my family.
“My friend Nobel Mendy scored (against Manchester United), and I was really happy for him and the club. I know Darko (Gyabi) from the England youth team and Lucas (Gourna) from back in Paris.
“I’m an attacker and can play all three (forward) positions. My main qualities are dribbling, speed, taking risks and taking on players. I can’t wait to get to know the fans, play in front of them and hopefully get good results, help the team and score goals.”
Ali Cho will be joined at City by Union Berlin striker Ilyas Ansah, with him completing a medical on Thursday ahead of his move to the MKM Stadium, though he may not be involved at Coventry this weekend. The Tigers also continue to work on a deal for Sorba Thomas, and it's expected that an agreement with Stoke City will be made in the next couple of days. Personal terms for the Welshman are not thought to be an issue.
"I'm happy for him because he's a good player," Jakirovic told Hull Live. "He played at a good level in France, also he's versatile, he can play, of course, right winger, but also he played number 10, as a striker, left winger, so he gives us a lot of options, especially when the injuries will come. He's a good, and I hope he will help us."
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