Jonjo Shelvey, the former England international and Premier League veteran, took a significant step toward securing a permanent move to Hull City, featuring prominently in the Tigers’ pre-season friendly against Turkish side Istanbulspor.
The 33-year-old midfielder, currently a free agent after a brief stint with Burnley, started the match and played 45 minutes in a 2-1 comeback victory in Riva, Turkey, as part of their pre-season training camp. Shelvey’s performance, alongside the emergence of young talent, has sparked optimism about his potential role in Hull City’s 2025/26 Championship campaign.
Jonjo Shelvey's Influence
Shelvey, who has previously played for Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Nottingham Forest, joined Hull City’s pre-season preparations to maintain his fitness and audition for a contract. His inclusion in the squad for the Turkey trip, as reported by Hull Live, signals growing interest from the club, with owner Acun Ilicali reportedly keen to secure the midfielder’s services. Against Istanbulspor, Shelvey lined up in the first-half XI alongside players like Regan Slater and Kasey Palmer, showcasing his experience in the midfield engine room. While he was substituted at halftime, his contribution helped set the stage for Hull’s late rally, with goals from Kyle Joseph and promising youngster Pharrell Brown sealing the win.
The match, played during Hull City’s annual pre-season camp in Turkey, was a chance for new manager Sergej Jakirovic to assess his squad, including trialists like Shelvey. Despite a transfer embargo limiting Hull to free agents and loans, Shelvey’s pedigree, over 200 Premier League appearances and six England caps, makes him an attractive option.
Jonjo Shelvey 👋🏼#hcafc pic.twitter.com/JWZQX8ETxS
— Hull City News ⚫️🟠 (@HullCityStats) July 15, 2025
What Next for the Midfielder
Sporting director Jared Dublin praised Shelvey’s “track record, calibre, and passing quality,” likening the decision to trial him to a successful move for David McGoldrick at Sheffield United. Dublin noted, “Whether that turns into something permanent or not, time will tell,” but Shelvey’s involvement suggests a deal could be on the horizon.
Shelvey’s recent career has been a mix of highs and lows. After stints in Turkey with Çaykur Rizespor and Eyüpspor, he returned to England in January 2025 to join Burnley, where he made just four appearances, two in the FA Cup during their promotion-winning season. Released by the Clarets this summer, Shelvey has been training with Hull since late June, also featuring in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Lincoln City on 6th July, despite a 2-0 loss. His experience and ability to dictate play could provide Hull with a vital midfield presence, especially as they navigate financial restrictions and aim to bolster their squad for a promotion push.
