It was obvious a week ago, from how the club statement was phrased.
If Connor and Hull wanted to part ways, there weren’t going to be loads of suitors for a player with his profile, on his wage. Hudds will have wanted to announce it and given Smith was aware he was going from his (Smith’s) first day, it was maybe delayed for as long as was feasible.
You’ve a quota spot and, it’s reasonable to assume, some budget to sign a halfback. Lists of posters who will be happy with the signing / unimpressed, I’m sure we could both predict. Don’t worry - next year will be the same as every other. In an uncertain world, perhaps there’s something comforting in that.