Hull City announce the signing of French midfielder Gourna-Douath
The 23-year old has agreed to a five-year deal with the Tigers
Last updated 15th Aug 2026
Hull City have announced the signing of French defensive midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath from Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old has penned a five-year contract with the Tigers until the summer of 2031, becoming the club’s 10th summer signing.
He made 95 appearances during a four-year spell with Salzburg, with 24 coming in European competition, including 17 in the Champions League group stages.
The highlight came in his maiden season, when he helped Salzburg secure a 17th Austrian Bundesliga title, making 21 league outings during the 2022/23 campaign.
More recently, Gourna-Douath spent time away from Austria on loan, firstly with Italian giants Roma in 2024/25 and then, last term, with French outfit Le Havre, where he played 15 games.
Born in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, he began his career in France with Saint-Étienne, quickly making an impression in 65 appearances for Les Verts, scoring his first of three career goals against Marseille.
At just 18, he became Austrian football’s most expensive transfer when he joined Salzburg in July 2022 and played once on loan for Austrian Second League side FC Liefering the following month.
On the international scene, Gourna-Douath has represented France at five youth levels, from Under-16s to Under-21s, captaining his country at four age groups and making a combined 34 appearances.
Gourna-Douath said:
“I’m really happy because it was such a long journey from the first phone call until I signed. I’m so excited to get started.
"I know Hull City is a big family club. Playing in front of our fans will be fun. It will be amazing for me.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I’m really happy and really excited to face those teams with Hull.
"I love fighting to win the ball back and having the ball at my feet to make the team play. I love to play for the badge and for the fans.
“I’m really happy to have this experience. I got a chance to play in the Champions League, Serie A and Ligue 1. I’ve learned a lot and I’m really happy to put this experience on the pitch in the Premier League.
“The Premier League is the dream of all footballers. Now, I have a chance to play in the Premier League, so I am excited to play.”