Biography
USA full back Lichaj (Leee-hai) was signed by Nigel Adkins early in the 2018 summer break, following his contract expiry at Nottingham Forest. Lichaj’s reputation was a talismanic and hard working figurehead, and he slotted straight into the right back position until a late Autumn injury saw him drop out of the team and spend the winter on the bench. He returned to first team action and performed with power, versatility and skill. At the start of 2019/20 Lichaj was handed the captain’s armband by new boss Grant McCann and turned in consistent performances in both the right back and left back positions, though injuries again halted his first team exposure in early 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the end of the season Lichaj was unable to agree a contract extension and left the club on expiry of his current deal at the end of June 2020.
Born and raised in Illinois, Lichaj began his professional career at Chicago Fire but moved to England at the age of 19, signing for Aston Villa. He played sporadically for Villa, enjoying loan spells to gain English league experience. His six years at Villa Park were succeeded by five further years by the Trent at Nottingham Forest, where he was a first team regular.
In September 2020 Lichaj signed for newly promoted Turkish Superliga side Fatih Karagumruk. He left the Istanbul side in January 2021 after just one appearance, after suffering a hip injury.
Lichaj won youth caps for USA at under-17 and under-20 levels, prior to making his senior international debut against Columbia in October 2010. In total he earned 15 senior caps, scoring a solitary goal in 2017 against El Salvador.
Details
Nationality: USA
Date/Place of Birth: 17 November 1988, Downers Grove (USA)
Hull City First Game: 6 August 2018, Aston Villa H (Championship), 29 years, 262 days old
Hull City Final Game: 8 February 2020, Reading A (Championship), 31 years, 83 days old
Clubs
Chicago Fire (2006-2007), Aston Villa (2007-2013), Lincoln City (2009, loan), Leyton Orient (2010, loan), Leeds United (2011, loan), Nottingham Forest (2013-2018), Hull City (2018-2020), Fatih Karagumruk (2020-2021)
Hull City Record
Career: 70 apps, 0 goals
Eric Lichaj| Season | LGE App | LGE Gls | FAC App | FAC Gls | FLC App | FLC Gls | EUR App | EUR Gls | OTH App | OTH Gls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | 35 (4) | 0 | 1 (0) | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2019/20 | 29 (0) | 0 | 1 (0) | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - |