Hibs take part in 'transfer speed dating' with clubs including PSG and Man City ahead of January window

Hibs have stepped up their work ahead of the January transfer window by taking part in a series of video calls with Europe’s top clubs likened to virtual “speed dating”.

Launched in 2017, TransferRoom has facilitated more than 250 transfers with a vast number of clubs – including the likes of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and AS Roma – from 41 countries using the platform.

More than 2,000 players are currently available for transfer with interested parties being able to sort through potential signings and contact clubs and representatives directly.

The Capital club has already benefited from the online marketplace, with goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski and midfielder Vykintas Slivka coming to the East Mains recruitment team’s attention via TransferRoom.

Hibs' Sporting Director Graeme Mathie has spoken highly of TransferRoom and the platform has assisted the club during transfer windows

Current Hibs Sporting Director Graeme Mathie and former Head of Football operations George Craig travelled to Barcelona in 2019 to represent the Easter Road side at a summit in Barcelona but with the current travel restrictions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, this window’s gathering was held online.

Among those involved in the meetings were sporting directors, loan managers, and heads of recruitment from various clubs. Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers also took part in yesterday's event with clubs permitted to hold a maximum of 15 meetings lasting for around 12 minutes each.

Mathie has sung TransferRoom's praises in the past, saying: “There’s information kept confidential between clubs as to which players may be available, on loan or selling, and TransferRoom can give you an early heads-up.

"You are dealing with the decision-makers at other clubs, people that can make decisions on taking deals forward. It gives you clarity as to whether a deal can be done or not very quickly.”

Some clubs have even used the platform to set up friendly matches, or make contact with clubs for non-transfer reasons.

Speaking to the Evening News last year Mathie explained: “We’ve sat down and had conversations with many people at other clubs – you can always arrange follow-up meetings – and, apart from making important contacts, it’s always interesting to learn how they work and the strategies they have in place.

“It’s adding another level to what we are doing. We are always keen to use these different models and you always come back with new leads and new contacts.”

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