This season, many of Sergej Jakirovic’s squad at the MKM Stadium have earned mass praise for their performance levels that have been key reasons behind an unexpected run for promotion.
It, of course, remains to be seen whether the Tigers will be successful in emulating the classes of 2008, 2013 and 2016 respectively by returning Premier League football to East Yorkshire.
However, it’s fair to say that one man destined for the top-flight is Charlie Hughes, who is, unsurprisingly valued at north of £20m by Jakirovic and chairman, Acun Ilicali.
The £3.5m figure paid to Wigan Athletic in August 2024 for his signature continues to look even more of a ‘bargain’ with each passing week, barring his divisive red card at West Bromwich Albion on March 15th.
Both Coventry City and Sheffield United had tried their luck at prizing the 22-year-old away in the summer, but failed, much to the Tigers’ benefit.
Now, it is no surprise that Hughes has been linked with the likes of Crystal Palace, and was indeed compared to Marc Guehi as the Eagles lost their own defensive ace to Manchester City at the turn of the year.
Whilst similar conversations were previously had about Jacob Greaves, who excelled with City prior to his £15m move to Ipswich Town in July 2024, many believe that Hughes could easily surpass those levels and represent his country, which he has been able to do at youth level.
Embed from Getty ImagesThat is also the viewpoint of ex-Tigers defender, Curtis Davies, who revealed he’d had conversations with his former HU3 teammate and Hughes’ ex-Wigan boss, Shaun Maloney, over his ceiling.
Davies said via Betway Insider: I think he could play for England, I rate him that highly.
“I played against him at Wigan when Shaun Maloney was the manager and I spoke to Shaun about him at depth because I thought he was fantastic. I remember seeing this kid and thinking maybe he’s on loan from Liverpool, thinking he was maybe 22, but he had only just turned 19. He was a leader already, which I loved and I love vocal defenders. The biggest compliment I could give him, is that he’s a modern footballer that still wants to defend.
“He’s as good on the ball as anyone you’ll see. He wants to play forward passes and get the ball from the goalkeeper. But when it comes to getting his head in the way or getting his body in the way for blocks, he’s got that as well. That’s the characteristic that I think will take him to the top,” Davies added.
I wouldn’t like to compare him to anyone, but I’d probably say he’s a but like John Terry. Nobody ever needed to speak about John Terry’s football because it was just there. He played for good Chelsea side and he played good football. But people used to call John Terry a warrior, and I think Charlie Hughes has got those traits as well.
“I think he could definitely play for England and if Hull City don’t go up, I think there’ll be a few suitors that will be looking for his signature,” the pundit reiterated.
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