Gourna-Douath becomes City’s 10th signing of summer
LATEST SIGNING: Lucas Gourna-Douath
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
French defensive midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath has become Hull City’s tenth signing of the summer.
The 23-year-old has penned a five-year contract with the Tigers after signing from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg for an undisclosed fee.
The tall midfielder made 95 appearances during a four-year association with Salzburg, with 24 coming in European competition, including 17 in the Champions League group stages.
The highlight came in his maiden season, when he helped Salzburg secure a 17th Austrian Bundesliga title, making 21 league outings during the 2022/23 campaign.
More recently, Gourna-Douath spent time away from Austria on loan, firstly with Italian giants Roma in 2024/25 and then, last term, with French outfit Le Havre, where he played 15 games.
Born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, he began his career in France with Saint-Étienne, quickly making an impression in 65 appearances for Les Verts, scoring his first of three career goals against Marseille.
‘I LOVE TO PLAY FOR THE BADGE’: Lucas Gourna-Douath
Gourna-Douath has represented France at five youth levels, from Under-16s to Under-21s, captaining his country at four age groups and making a combined 34 appearances.
He said: “I’m really happy because it was such a long journey from the first phone call until I signed. I’m so excited to get started. I know Hull City is a big family club. Playing in front of our fans will be fun. It will be amazing for me.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I’m really happy and really excited to face those teams with Hull. I love fighting to win the ball back and having the ball at my feet to make the team play. I love to play for the badge and for the fans.
“I’m really happy to have this experience. I got a chance to play in the Champions League, Serie A and Ligue 1. I’ve learned a lot and I’m really happy to put this experience on the pitch in the Premier League.
“The Premier League is the dream of all footballers. Now, I have a chance to play in the Premier League, so I am excited to play.”
City launch their Premier League campaign on Saturday, August 22, with a glamour home fixture against giants Manchester United.
The Tigers’ other summer recruits of a busy transfer window are:
Australia defender Lucas Herrington, 18, signed on a five-year deal from from Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids for an undisclosed fee. Became the youngest player to start a World Cup match for Australia at this summer’s tournament.
Senegal international defender Nobel Mendy, signed from Spanish La Liga side Rayo Vallecano for an undisclosed club-record fee.
The 21-year-old penned a five-year deal until summer 2031, with a club option of a further year.
Sweden international Elliot Stroud, 24, signed from Mjällby AIF for an undisclosed fee..
The versatile wing-back penned a four-year contract with a club option of a further year.
Norwegian midfielder Jens Hjertø-Dahl, 20, signed from Tromsø on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
Greece international goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis from Greek giants Olympiacos for an undisclosed club-record fee.
The 23-year-old, capped nine times by his country, signed a five-year contract.
Experienced Japanese midfielder Hidemasa Morita on a two-year deal with a club option of a further year.
The 31-year-old, who has earned 40 caps for Japan, was a free agent after leaving Portuguese giants Sporting CP.
Experienced defender Matt Targett on a two-year contract with a club option of a further year.
The 30-year-old joined as a free agent after leaving Newcastle United.
Former Tiger Óscar Zambrano, 22, from Slovenian side Maribor for an undisclosed fee. The Ecuadorian defensive midfielder signed a four-year contract with a club option of a further year.
Former England goalkeeper Jack Butland from Scottish side Rangers for an undisclosed fee.
The 33-year-old penned a two-year contract with a club option of a further year.