Hibs make late Deadline Day swoop for West Brom fullback as Welsh youngster pens loan deal
Chris Cadden departure left David Gray’s men short of back-up for Felix Passlack
Hibs have completed a busy summer of transfer dealings with a late Deadline Day swoop for young right back Alex Williams. The West Brom defender has joined the Easter Road club on a season-long loan.
The 21-year-old is expected to provide back-up for Felix Passlack, with the departure to Aberdeen of Chris Cadden earlier in the summer window leaving only Kanayo Megwa as cover for the German. Williams arrives with a decent pedigree – including caps for the Wales under-21 team – but a lack of first-team football.
Limited experience of first-team football
This will be the first loan move for a player who has made just two starts for the Baggies, both in the League Cup, and a single substitute appearance in the EFL Championship.
Welcoming the youngster on board, Hibs boss David Gray said: “I’m pleased to bring Alex into the building, and he's a player who will provide additional strength in depth to our defensive unit.
“He is a hard-working individual who will bring great energy to the team on the pitch, and he's a forward-thinking fullback/wing-back who gives us more options on the right-hand side. He's a good fit for our league, he is eager to get started, and I’m excited to welcome him into the group.”
Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay, who worked up to the Scottish deadline of 5 pm to get the deal done, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Alex to the club. He is a young talent ready to kick on and make an impact in senior football, and we believe he will provide strong competition in our defence.
“Alex fits the profile we were looking for in his position and is now ready to prove himself at Scottish Premiership level. I’d like to thank everyone at West Brom for helping to get this deal completed.”
The arrival of Williams completes a busy summer for Hibs, who have signed nine players in total. In the past week alone, they’ve landed Jacob Devaney on loan from Manchester United, sold Warren O’Hora to Leicester City and signed Serbian centre-half Marko Ivezic as a replacement.
The Easter Road club also revealed earlier today that Josh Campbell had joined St Johnstone on a season-long loan, joining Alasana Manneh, Elie Youan, Cadden and O’Hora on the list of first-team exits during the summer window.