"My worry is" - Hull City urged to ease pressure on Joao Pedro with Ipswich Town deal | OneFootball

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali is likely to strengthen the Tigers' squad during the January transfer window.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Hull City have been disappointing in the Championship so far this season and the January transfer window could prove to be vital if they are going to turn things around.

The Tigers appointed German head coach Tim Walter to replace Liam Rosenior during the summer, with the hope that he could mount a promotion push this season after the club finished just three points outside the play-off places last term.

However, Hull have picked up just three wins from their 15 league games so far this season, and are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference, so the pressure is now on Walter and his players to improve their form and climb the table as soon as possible.

Owner Acun Ilicali has shown support for Walter during the international break, amid criticism of the head coach from supporters, explaining that injuries have been a key factor in Hull's underwhelming campaign so far, although he did admit that he "completely understands" the frustration of the fans.

Ilicali also stated that he will work hard to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window, and he may be keen to bolster an attack that has scored just four goals in the last seven games.

Hull City urged to sign a new striker

We asked our Hull City fan pundit, Ryan Frankish, which position he felt needed to be strengthened in January, and whether he thought there was a player who would be an ideal signing when the transfer window opens.

Ryan said: "In January, I'd still say a striker, even though I'm more than happy with Joao Pedro.

"It's maybe not his performances necessarily, but his output of late.

"My worry is that he is 32, and the Championship is a very intense league, so it is probably still worth trying to sign some quality up front.

"I'd say in terms of a player, I would be tempted to take a punt on Ali Al-Hamadi from Ipswich, since he is not really doing a lot since the big influx of players there."

Ali Al-Hamadi could improve Hull City

Hull currently have Pedro, Chris Bedia, Mason Burstow and Will Jarvis as striking options in their squad, although none of them have been prolific in the Championship so far this season.

Al-Hamadi has been limited to three substitute appearances in the Premier League since the Tractor Boys won promotion last term, although he did score in his only start of the season against his former club, AFC Wimbledon, in the EFL Cup.

He scored four goals in the second tier last season after making the move to Suffolk in January, so he could be a good addition for Hull if they were able to bring him to the MKM Stadium during the upcoming transfer window.

The 22-year-old has been slightly hampered by injury during the early months of the season, but he appeared on the bench for Iraq during the international break, so he should have returned to full match fitness by January, and it would be no surprise if he attracted interest from the Championship.