Eric Lichaj signs for Hull City

Hull City have signed United States international fullback Eric Lichaj Friday on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee. Lichaj becomes Hull’s first signing in the summer transfer window.

The 29-year-old leaves Nottingham Forest after spending the last six seasons at the City Ground. Forest made it known that they were willing to sell Lichaj before the defender entered his final year of his contract. The Chicago native made 190 appearances in that time, scoring six goals.

Nottingham Forest was key for Lichaj’s career after taking a gamble to leave the University of North Carolina to sign for Aston Villa after just one season in Chapel Hill in 2007. Until 2011, Lichaj had completed loan spells with Lincoln City FC, Leyton Orient FC and Leeds United before making a permanent move to Forest.

The fullback spoke with the Hull Daily Mail saying, “It’s a fresh start for me and I want to repay Hull City for the faith that they have shown in me by bringing me here. I’ll be working my hardest, as I always do, every day in training and on matchdays.”

Lichaj has been a strong consideration for Dave Sarachan for the USMNT. Lichaj played 74 minutes at right back in the United States’ convincing win against Bolivia in May. Lichaj sat the bench in the final two friendlies against Ireland and France.

Lichaj only has the 2017 Gold Cup trophy in his display case and will be looking to impress Sarachan at Hull City next season to be a part of the national team that plays the 2019 Gold Cup on home soil.