Hull City and Derby County are reportedly set for a January transfer battle over Nigerian forward Rafiu Durosinmi, according to Football Insider. The promising 22-year-old striker has attracted attention from several English clubs as the winter transfer window approaches.
January Transfer Interest Heats Up
Both Hull City and Derby County are closely monitoring Durosinmi ahead of the upcoming window. Derby County enters the winter break in strong form, boasting five consecutive Championship victories that have lifted them to 10th place. Hull City, meanwhile, sit fifth in the table following a solid start to their campaign.
Both clubs made significant squad changes over the summer. Derby County invested heavily under manager John Eustace, while Hull City navigated a period of financial uncertainty before reinforcing their ranks. January is expected to bring further recruitment, with Durosinmi emerging as a prime target for both clubs.
Other Clubs Also Interested
Football Insider reports that Oxford United and League One side Huddersfield Town have also shown interest in signing Durosinmi. The forward is entering the final six months of his contract at Viktoria Plzen, making him available for a potential cut-price deal of around £5.7 million (€6.5m).
“Hull City, Derby County, Oxford, and Huddersfield Town have all registered their interest in a deal,” Football Insider notes.
Durosinmi’s Career So Far
Durosinmi began his professional career at Box2Box FC in Nigeria before moving to Europe in 2022 with MFK Karvina. He joined Viktoria Plzen six months later for approximately €850,000. Despite limited appearances in Slovakia, he quickly made his mark in the Czech top flight.
His progress was interrupted by two ACL injuries in 2023 and 2024, which sidelined him for almost 18 months. However, the striker has made a strong return this season, scoring 11 goals in 24 appearances during the 2025–26 campaign, including two goals in both the Champions League and Europa League. Across his career, he has tallied 33 goals and 10 assists in 80 matches for Viktoria Plzen, alongside 10 goals and six assists in 39 games for Karvina.
Hull City and Derby County’s Attack Reinforcements
This is not the first time Hull City and Derby County have been linked to the same player in recent weeks. Both clubs were also reported to be exploring a possible loan for Leeds United forward Harry Gray. The shared interest in Durosinmi highlights each club’s aim to strengthen their attacking options for the remainder of the season.
Hull City are reportedly seeking a long-term forward, with Oli McBurnie entering the later stages of his career. Derby County, meanwhile, already boast depth in attack but remain keen to bolster their striking options. Whether either club acts on their interest will become clear when the January transfer window opens.
