Hibs transfers: Priority areas, 2 potential game-changing exits and Thibault Klidje conundrum
What signings could happen at Easter Road before Thursday’s deadline
Hibs have had some pretty hectic transfer deadline days over the years and while most of the business has been done early this time around, there will still be activity down Easter Road way ahead of Thursday’s 5pm deadline.
While the squad has been replenished this summer with six new signings, the club remain in the market for a couple of positions. That, of course, could also change depending on whether there are any late bids for their current squad.
So far, Hibs have brought in centre-half Jason Kerr, wide man Adam Mayor, central midfielders Azeem Abdulai and Josh Devaney, playmaker Callum Wright and striker Nathan Lowe.
There have been departures as well - most notably right-back Chris Cadden, who was sold to Aberdeen, while some youngsters have been farmed out on loan. Another senior exit is very much on the cards, however, with 27-year-old centre-half Warren O’Hora on the brink of joining Leicester City.
O’Hora’s exit brings a problem for Hibs. The 27-year-old is a mainstay of the team, either in a back three or a back four. He is also a senior player in the dressing-room and has worn the captain’s armband on occasion. His departure leaves a sizeable void.
It is therefore no surprise that Hibs are prioritising another centre-half before the window closes. Their options away from O’Hora are Kerr, Grant Hanley, Jack Iredale, Jordan Obita and Rocky Bushiri - although the latter is injured for months with an Achilles issue.
An experienced centre-back is likely to be targeted. O’Hora’s mental abilities as well as technical need replaced.
Goalkeeper is not an issue as Raphael Sallinger is the undisputed No 1, with Jordan Smith as a reliable back-up. There is depth at full-back and wing-back, too - especially on the left, where Mayor, Obita, Nicky Cadden and Jamie McGrath can operate.
The midfield options
Hibs are well-stocked in the centre of midfield too following last week’s signing of Devaney on loan from Manchester United. The teenager gives Hibs a player who can control play from deep and break the lines with his passing. His arrival is an important one.
Miguel Chaiwa, Josh Mulligan, Joe Newell, Josh Campbell, Abdulai, Wright and McGrath add strength in numbers from central positions. The most prized assets are Chaiwa and Mulligan, and any late bids for them may change the landscape on plans for this sector of the team.
There has been interest in both players all summer long. Chaiwa’s data immediately catches the eye of scouting teams given his energy and pitch coverage. The 22-year-old Zambian is improving by each week and Celtic have been long-term admirers of him ever since he featured for Young Boys against them in early 2025. But they have moved on to other targets in this window, going for Mika Baur, Joel van den Berg and Oliver Sorensen instead.
Mulligan is a player of note for many teams and Serie A outfit Genoa were reported to be weighing up a bid earlier in the window. There has not been a concrete offer for him, though.
Hibs are in no rush to sell either player during this window. If the right bid comes in, they will entertain it - a Kieron Bowie to Verona situation, for instance. So far, that money has not come to the table.
Hibs probably won’t bring in another midfielder unless there is a major bid for Chaiwa and Mulligan.
In attack, Hibs’ current options are Lowe, a loan signing from Stoke City, Martin Boyle, Ante Suto, Thibault Klidje and Owen Elding, who is currently out injured with a minor calf issue.
Elding is highly regarded by clubs in England and had he been fit and firing, he may have been someone of interest to suitors. As it is, his injury may have come at quite a handy time.
Hibs are open to adding to their attacking options - and that may get accelerated should record signing Klidje, who continues to struggle in his quest to demand a starting berth in Gray’s team, leave before the deadline.
Klidje spent the second half of the season on loan at Randers and should he agitate for more game-time, a similar type of move may come to fruition.
Another player who may benefit from a loan is 20-year-old midfielder Rudi Molotnikov, who is on the fringes of the first-team picture. Capped at Scotland under-19 level, there are outfits lower down the leagues who would be keen on a loan deal.