6 SPFL free agents Hibs could target - and why

The free agent market is likely one which many clubs will be shopping in this summer

Hibs have made the commitment to their staff that no players will be signed until wage deferrals of between 20 and 50 per cent are no longer in place.

The club, however, will continue to analyse potential recruits ready for when they can enter the transfer market.

With the majority of last season’s squad still at the club, it is likely Jack Ross will be tweaking rather than overhauling.

Jonny Hayes has been released by Celtic. Picture: SNS

The free agent market is going to be a popular one for clubs, wary that they will likely be unable to spend big transfer fees. In the SPFL there are a few out of contract stars who could interest Hibs.

In the SPFL there are a few out of contract stars who could interest Hibs.

Aaron McGowan

One of Hibs’ key targets this summer is likely the re-signing of Jason Naismith. The buccaneering right-back became a key player before suffering what proved to be a season-ending injury at Dundee United. The Peterborough United defender has confirmed his interest in returning but is contracted until 2021.

Alex Gogic was one of the most important players for Hamilton, while Mickel Miller has been linked with Hibs previously. Picture: SNS

If the Easter Road side were unable to do a deal for Naismith, McGowan could be a smart alternative. The 23-year-old left Hamilton after two seasons where he was one of their most consistent players.

The right-back may need some refining around the edges, but what Hibs would be getting is a player who has scope for development, a full throttle defender who isn’t that much different to Naismith. Can cover plenty of ground, determined and aggressive, while he is proactive in an attacking sense.

Ricki Lamie

The 26-year-old had been linked with a pre-contract move to Motherwell back in February but with the current climate there does not appear to be any further movement on the transfer.

Drey Wright has been touted for a move to Easter Road. Picture: SNS

While not a player who would excite Hibs fans, Lamie has adjusted well to making the step up to the Premiership across the past two seasons, showing himself capable of playing as a left-back, centre-back or wing-back for Livingston.

Such players will likely be in demand during the summer as clubs seek to keep their squads small. Having players who can play various positions would be a bonus.

Lamie prefers a central role in defence and can handle the physical nature of the league. As a full-back he isn’t the quickest but is a good crosser of the ball from advanced areas.

Jonny Hayes

Already there is talk of the Irishman returning to Aberdeen where he made more than 200 appearances before making the move to Celtic. His time at Parkhead was hampered by a serious injury he picked up early in his career at the Scottish champions.

He did, however, become a favourite of Neil Lennon during the 2020/21 campaign, playing at left-back, wing-back and as a winger. It would prove to be a fantastic signing if Hibs were to bring his versatility and general quality to Easter Road.

Hayes would provide Lewis Stevenson with stiff competition down the left side and add a real attacking potency on the flank to rival Martin Boyle on the right.

Even though he will be 33 come the start of the new season, he has shown little sign of slowing or altering that strong, winning mentality which has been developed at Aberdeen and Celtic.

Alex Gogic

The Cypriot has been one of the most valuable players this season in terms of the role they played within their team.

Having been moved around the pitch during his four years at Hamilton Accies, Gogic was given a consistent role in the midfield protecting the defence. He proved to be one of the busiest players in the league, shutting down attacks, putting out fires, making it difficult for opponents.

It was an area of the pitch which Hibs had some difficulty with following the departures of Marvin Bartley and Mark Milligan last summer. No player in the Premiership was involved in more defensive duels or made more interceptions than Gogic.

He is by no means the flashiest of midfielders, but he is capable of doing so much of the important, dirty work.

Drey Wright

Hibs have been strongly linked with a move for the former St Johnstone winger after he rejected a new deal.

Fans may look at his stats and see a player who has just one league goal and three assists to his name during his time at McDiarmid Park. It is understandable if some were wary but Wright has the potential to be a very dangerous attacking option.

The 25-year-old has plenty of pace, is direct and can beat an opponent in a flash. On top of that he can play in different positions if required which may happen if he goes up against Martin Boyle for a place on the right.

There is no doubt the cruciate ligament damage suffered last season curtailed his progress but if given the right direction on the pitch he could be a fantastic recruit.

Mickel Miller

The former Hamilton forward was a target for Hibs in the January transfer window, only for Accies to reject bids from a number of clubs. He is another attacker who requires a bit of guidance to really tap into the talent he possesses.

After all, prior to arriving in the Premiership the highest level he had played at was step seven on the English football pyramid. Since moving in 2018 he has played fewer than 70 competitive games at a decent level.

A wiry forward, he can play left, right and through the middle, possessing good dribbling skills and a fine strike every now and then.

Miller would be a signing who could take time to make an impact but with the right coaching to continue his development and Accies, and perhaps more strength, he’d be a more than useful addition.