Giant centre-forward Kyle Hudlin has joined Huddersfield Town - less than a year after being on the watchlist of Manchester City.
The 6ft 9in striker, who is thought to be the tallest outfield player in Britain, has joined the Terriers after leaving National League side Solihull Moors. It was last August when representatives acting on behalf of the Premier League champions went and watched Hudlin, now aged 22.
The interest came after initially watching a video of the player before the call was made to go and see him in person during a National League game. They were joined by scouts from a number of other clubs, including Middlesbrough and Cardiff City. Ultimately the forward would stay put and came within a whisker of firing Moors into the EFL. The West Midlands outfit lost 2-1 to Grimsby in last season's play-off final.
Hudlin opened the scoring for Neal Ardley's side in a game played at West Ham's London Stadium but he suffered an injury and hobbled off before the hour mark. Solihull went on to concede shortly after before losing to the Mariners in extra-time.
His contract expired this summer and after weighing up offers he has now joined Huddersfield, initially signing for their development squad. He has penned a two-year contract with the option of a further year’s extension.
Speaking to Town's website he said: “I’m ecstatic! It’s a move that I kind of saw coming because of the opportunity it graces. I had other interest from different clubs, but this was definitely where I set my mind to and feel like I’ll get the best development for the rest of my career.
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"I’m not your average 6’9 striker! I feel like people will definitely recognise me for being more technical than I’m known for being beneficial in the air, but I believe towards the back end of this season especially, I’ve developed that area of my game as well.
"It’s something that’s been recognised because it’s never been an area of my game that I’ve had to work on, I’ve always had the advantage of being taller! I definitely believe that I’m starting to find a balance of both and being here and the development that I’ll get from the staff here, I’ll be able to reach the limits of using my cheat code let’s say!"
Whilst Hudlin's immediate challenge is to try and win a place in a team playing in the Championship, his long-term aim is to one day play in Europe's premier club competition.
Speaking earlier this year, he told the Sun : "I am enjoying life at Solihull right now, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have aspirations in England and in the Champions League. I don’t want to run before I can walk and I understand how high the jump is to that level, but I want to make that jump."
Huddersfield, who last week announced Danny Schofield as their new head coach following Carlos Corberan's shock exit, open up the new EFL season on July 29 at home to Burnley.
