Hull City have confirmed Sergej Jakirovic as their new manager, with Abu Kamara amongst players requiring to prove themselves. Portsmouth maintain admiration for their former League One title winner despite his challenging campaign at the MKM Stadium.
The affection for Abu Kamara remains strong at Portsmouth following his instrumental role in their League One championship triumph. This sentiment was evident during the mutual appreciation displayed when the 21-year-old returned to Fratton Park on the final day with Hull City.
The admiration extends beyond supporters to Portsmouth’s football hierarchy, who worked with Kamara during his most productive period. The club hasn’t abandoned hopes of eventually welcoming back the player who contributed 10 goals and 10 assists during his time at PO4.
New challenge under Jakirovic
Kamara now faces the task of impressing newly-appointed Bosnian manager Sergej Jakirovic, who replaces Ruben Selles. Selles departed last month despite securing Hull’s survival with a 1-1 draw at Fratton Park on the final day.
Owner Acun Ilcali deemed the previous campaign insufficient given the club’s expenditure, making Jakirovic his sixth managerial appointment since purchasing Hull for £30m in January 2022.
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Disappointing Hull stint
Kamara’s debut Championship season mirrored his club’s struggles after Hull outbid Portsmouth with a £4.5m deal to secure his services from Norwich City. The London-born winger managed just five league goals and three assists during a difficult period.
His season included an unusual press conference where he apologised for responding with a heart emoji to Paddy Lane’s goal against Swansea on New Year’s Day, following criticism for his role in Hull’s late defeat to Middlesbrough.
Jakirovic’s credentials
The 48-year-old Jakirovic arrives from Turkish side Kayserispor, with Hull describing him as an attacking-minded coach. However, he faced criticism for defensive tactics whilst achieving a league and cup double with Dinamo Zagreb last season. His Zagreb tenure ended in September 2024 following a record 9-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Portsmouth’s position
Portsmouth continue developing their recruitment strategy with enhanced financial resources. Manager John Mousinho expects progress following January’s £1.27m acquisition of Hayden Matthews – the club’s largest outlay since Erik Huseklepp’s £1.5m signing in 2011.
Despite increased spending power, Mousinho previously stated Portsmouth cannot match Hull’s £4.5m investment in Kamara. Speaking in March, he explained: “Without getting into real detail, if Abu Kamara costs £4.5m we’re not there yet – we’re not in that market.
“We’re in the market for a Hayden Matthews, and we’ll push forward from there and see what summer brings.”
Any potential reunion would require Hull accepting a significant loss on their investment, though Portsmouth’s Championship establishment and growing financial strength could make future deals more feasible.
