Hull City look to unlock £10m signing as Wembley hero backs up fine start

13:00, 08 Oct 2026Updated 13:04, 08 Oct 2026

Mo Belloumi and Sorba Thomas will both return from international duty on the back of impressive form for their countries, and that will give Hull City a major boost as they look to build on a positive start to their Premier League campaign.

Belloumi finally made his international bow for Algeria last month, playing in all three of Algeria's games during the new-look window, scoring in a 2-2 Africa Cup of Nations qualification draw with Burundi, before firing in a wonderful free-kick in the 2-1 friendly win over Niger on Tuesday.

Thomas' experience with Wales was a little different, with Craig Bellamy's men losing three of their four Nations League games, but despite that, the deadline day arrival from Stoke City caught the eye.

His assist in the impressive 2-1 comeback success against Norway in Cardiff grabbed the headlines; however, his performances across the other three outings were particular bright spots for the Welsh in what turned out to be a disappointing period on the whole.

So far, the Welshman has played in all three Premier League games since his move to East Yorkshire, and has shown glimpses of the ability from wide areas that made City strike a £10m deal for the 27-year-old.

City return to action on Sunday afternoon when they host unbeaten Everton at the MKM Stadium, and given his exploits during the international break, he'll be keen to keep that momentum and carry it into the Premier League, as he looks to make an impact and fashion a moment for the likes of Oli McBurnie.

For Belloumi, it's perhaps little surprise that he's carried his early-season form with City into the international arena, and he'll make his way back to the club buoyed by his performances for his country, after making his long-awaited debut.

The Algerian winger already has two goals and two assists in five Premier League games to his name, and has looked every inch a player capable of having a big impact at that level, delivering for the Tigers in what has been a hugely encouraging start.

At Newcastle United, Belloumi impressed again. He was the Tigers' primary attacking outlet down the right wing. He accumulated a team-high five shots (two on target), set up Mohamed-Ali Cho's goal, completed three successful dribbles, created two chances, and chipped in defensively with six tackles (three won) and five recoveries across 65 touches in the game.

In fact, no forward in the top-flight has made more than the 16 tackles the 24-year-old has this term, while his nine interceptions is the joint-most of any attacker, further highlighting his importance.

Boss Sergej Jakirovic needs Belloumi and Thomas to hit the ground running when they get back into domestic action with City keen to return to winning ways after their first defeat at St James' Park before the international break.

Having Thomas and Belloumi on either side of the flanks gives City genuine quality in those areas, and hopefully, both can replicate their international exploits when the Tigers restart their fledgling Premier League season.

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