The didn’t replace Ryan Porteous after the former Easter Road hero was sold towards the end of January to English Championship side Watford. Will Fish has since come to the fore but the Manchester United loanee is due to head back down south.
That leaves Rocky Bushiri, who is yet to return after suffering a serious ankle injury near the beginning of the year, and club stalwart Paul Hanlon who is on the wrong side of 30.
Therefore, we should expect manager Lee Johnson and the club’s incoming director of football to make signing a couple of centre-halves a priority. And what better way to get value for money than in the free-agent market?
Here are nine names we reckon the Hibees could consider...
5. Alex Mitchell (St Johnstone)
The 21-year-old was very impressive for Saints in the first half of the season, though has found himself behind captain Liam Gordon in the pecking order of late. His contract with parent club Millwall runs out this summer and there's enough Scottish Premiership evidence already to suggest he'll grow into a top defender. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
6. Matthew Pennington (Shrewsbury Town)
The 28-year-old was on Everton's books for years and years before making the permanent switch to Shrewsbury in 2021. He's good in the air and also comfortable progressing play up the park with his legs. Photo: Nathan Stirk
7. Michael Rose (Coventry City)
The former Aberdeen and Ayr United youngster - now 27 - has found first-team opportunities with the English Championship side hard to come by in recent months as he hasn't started a game since January, so may be tempted to come back up the road. He's quick for a defender and a good passer. Photo: Catherine Ivill
8. Trent Sainsbury (Al-Wakrah)
This would be a bit of a swing as he's got over 60 caps for Australia and is currently, presumably, earning well in the Middle East. However, there is a growing contingent of Aussies in Scotland. And though he's got all that experience, he hasn't played for the national team since 2021, despite the manager being his father-in-law. Playing and outperforming Hearts defender Kye Rowles in the same league could well help his chances of getting back in. Photo: Bradley Kanaris