John Egan's late-career revival sees him a Premier League regular for Hull
September 22, 2026 10:01
John Egan has rebuilt his career since a season-ending Achilles injury in September 2023 and is now a regular starter for Hull City following their return to the Premier League. The 33-year-old signed a new two-year deal earlier this month and has featured in five of Hull’s league games this season.
KEY CONTEXT
- Egan played 208 times for Sheffield United across six seasons, winning promotion with them in 2019 and 2023, and was named club captain in the summer of 2023. His last game for the Blades came in September 2023 when an Achilles injury required him to be stretchered off.
- After his contract with Sheffield United was not renewed the following summer, Egan had trials with Burnley and West Ham. Burnley offered him a one-year deal under Scott Parker, but he made only seven appearances before moving on.
- In January 2024 Egan joined Hull City on an 18-month deal. He completed his first full 90 minutes in over a year in a 2-0 defeat to Burnley in February and made a further 10 appearances as Hull avoided relegation on goal difference on the final day of that season.
- Under manager Sergej Jakirovic, Egan was a regular in the campaign that followed, playing 48 times as Hull reached the play-offs and then beat Middlesbrough in the final to secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
- In the current top-flight campaign Egan produced a standout defensive display on the opening day, making 18 clearances in Hull’s 2-0 win over Manchester United, and has helped the side keep clean sheets against Coventry and Aston Villa, while also featuring in draws and narrow defeats against Chelsea and Newcastle.
INTERNATIONAL RETURN
Egan’s form at Hull earned him an Ireland recall in October last year after two years without a call-up. He came off the bench late in the 1-0 defeat to Portugal, was an unused substitute in several matches including the play-off loss to the Czech Republic, and won his 38th cap by starting in a 0-0 friendly draw with North Macedonia in May.
WHY IT MATTERS
Egan’s recovery from a serious injury and subsequent club moves have seen him return to consistent first-team football at Premier League level and regain a place in the Republic of Ireland squad—marking a notable personal comeback.
KEY FACTS
- Age: 33
- Season-ending Achilles injury: September 2023
- Sheffield United appearances: 208
- Burnley appearances after trial: 7
- Hull initial deal: 18 months (joined January 2024)
- Hull appearances in promotion season: 48
- Current season league appearances for Hull: 5 (as reported)
- New Hull contract: two years (signed earlier this month)
- Republic of Ireland caps: 38