‘I can play anywhere up front’: Ansah signs for Tigers on five-year deal

‘DREAM COME TRUE’: Ilyas Ansah

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

German striker Ilyas Ansah has become Hull City’s 13th signing of the summer, joining from Bundesliga side Union Berlin for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old has agreed a five-year contract with the Tigers until the summer of 2031.

The 6ft 4ins frontman featured in all but one of Union Berlin’s 37 competitive matches last term, scoring five goals and recording three assists, with his final outing coming in this season’s DFB-Pokal.

The Germany Under-21 international netted twice on his top-flight debut in a 2-1 win over VfB Stuttgart before finding the net against TSG Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig.

Born in Lüdenscheid, Ansah broke through at SC Paderborn, helping the reserve team win promotion from the Oberliga to the Regionalliga, scoring six goals in ten outings during the 2022/23 campaign. 

Making his senior bow in the 2 Bundesliga the following season, the frontman scored seven goals and added eight assists in 60 appearances across a two-year spell at Paderborn before joining Union Berlin.

‘IT’S AN HONOUR FOR ME’: Ilyas Ansah on joining Hull City

Internationally, the forward has represented Germany at both Under-20 and Under-21 levels, notching a combined six goals in 18 youth appearances for his country. 

Ansah said: “I’m very excited. It’s a dream come true for me to play in the Premier League, and for such a big club – it’s really an honour for me.

“I have heard a lot about the club, the players and the team, and I’m excited to play with the boys and to get to know them.

“It was an honour and a dream playing in the Bundesliga. Now, I have another dream to play in the Premier League, and I’m going to work hard for it.

“I’m a very flexible player. I can play almost anywhere up front – on the left side, on the right side, maybe as a 10. I’m definitely a player who always gives his best and leaves it all on the pitch.

“Taking my man on, beating players, shooting on target and scoring goals – that’s my main goal I want to reach at this club.

“It’s been a really exciting start to the season – two wins out of two games. Now, it’s time for me to get into the team and be a part of what they are already achieving.”