Hibernian Nears Historic Signing of Scotland's Veteran Defender Grant Hanley

Hibernian FC is in advanced talks to sign seasoned Scotland defender Grant Hanley, aiming to bolster their defense for the upcoming season.

Hibernian FC is on the verge of securing a significant addition to their squad as they engage in advanced discussions with Scotland's experienced defender, Grant Hanley. The 33-year-old, recently released by Birmingham City, is poised to join the Scottish Premiership side, marking his first stint with a Scottish club after a distinguished career in England.

A Proven Track Record

Grant Hanley, hailing from Dumfries, has an impressive resume, having represented Scotland 62 times since his debut in 2011. His career includes notable spells with Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, and Norwich City, where he showcased his defensive prowess and leadership qualities.

Strategic Move by Hibernian

Hibernian's head coach, David Gray, expressed his enthusiasm about the potential signing, emphasizing the importance of integrating experienced players into the team. "We are in advanced talks with that one," Gray stated ahead of Hibs' Conference League qualifying match against Partizan Belgrade. "He's someone that has played at a very high level. We're hoping to see what that one can look like."

Implications for the Upcoming Season

The addition of Hanley could significantly strengthen Hibernian's defense, providing them with a seasoned campaigner who can mentor younger players and contribute to the team's tactical flexibility. His experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable as Hibs aim to compete on multiple fronts this season.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

Hibernian supporters are eagerly anticipating the official announcement, hopeful that Hanley's arrival will mark a turning point in their quest for domestic and European success. The club's management is working diligently to finalize the deal, ensuring that all contractual details are meticulously addressed.

For more updates on this developing story and other Hibernian news, stay tuned to our dedicated Hibs page and download the BBC Sport app for real-time notifications.

What to Read Next

Scottish Premiership 2025: Expert Predictions and Season Insights
Football

Scottish Premiership 2025: Expert Predictions and Season Insights

Get the latest expert predictions for the Scottish Premiership 2025 season, including insights on Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, and Dundee.

Celtic's Transfer Saga: Breum Bid Rejected, Balikwisha Pursuit Intensifies
Football

Celtic's Transfer Saga: Breum Bid Rejected, Balikwisha Pursuit Intensifies

Celtic's bid for Danish winger Jakob Breum was rejected by Go Ahead Eagles, while they intensify efforts to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Royal Antwerp.

Exclusive Live Broadcasts of Bottom-Six Scottish Premiership Matches Starting Next Season
Football

Exclusive Live Broadcasts of Bottom-Six Scottish Premiership Matches Starting Next Season

Starting next season, fans can enjoy live broadcasts of two bottom-six Scottish Premiership matches, thanks to a new agreement between SPFL and broadcasters.

Eddie Howe's Strategic Vision: Ensuring Alexander Isak's Future Aligns with Newcastle's Ambitions
Football

Eddie Howe's Strategic Vision: Ensuring Alexander Isak's Future Aligns with Newcastle's Ambitions

Eddie Howe emphasizes the importance of aligning Alexander Isak's future with Newcastle United's strategic goals amidst transfer speculations.

Liam Cooper Departs CSKA Sofia: A New Chapter Begins for the Scottish Defender
Football

Liam Cooper Departs CSKA Sofia: A New Chapter Begins for the Scottish Defender

Scottish defender Liam Cooper has left CSKA Sofia by mutual agreement, marking a new chapter in his career after a decade with Leeds United.

Summer 2025 Football Transfer Window: Key Moves and Major Deals
Football

Summer 2025 Football Transfer Window: Key Moves and Major Deals

A comprehensive overview of the Summer 2025 football transfer window, highlighting key moves across Premier League, WSL, and EFL.

Kieran Tierney's Return to Celtic: Insights and Expectations
Football

Kieran Tierney's Return to Celtic: Insights and Expectations

Explore the impact of Kieran Tierney's return to Celtic, his performance insights, and what it means for the team's future in the Scottish Premiership.

Brendan Rodgers Emphasizes Continuous Improvement at Celtic
Football

Brendan Rodgers Emphasizes Continuous Improvement at Celtic

Brendan Rodgers discusses his commitment to Celtic, focusing on continuous improvement and team development for the upcoming season.

Can Celtic Dominate Both Domestically and in Europe Under Rodgers?
Football

Can Celtic Dominate Both Domestically and in Europe Under Rodgers?

Explore how Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers, is preparing to tackle the upcoming season's challenges in both domestic and European football arenas.

Liverpool Secures £69m Deal for Rising Star Hugo Ekitike
Football

Liverpool Secures £69m Deal for Rising Star Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool has agreed to a £69m deal for Eintracht Frankfurt's striker Hugo Ekitike, marking a significant addition to their squad.

Celtic's Squad Depth Concerns: Are Fans Right to Worry Ahead of the New Season?
Football

Celtic's Squad Depth Concerns: Are Fans Right to Worry Ahead of the New Season?

As Celtic prepares for the new season, concerns over squad depth and transfer strategies have fans questioning the team's readiness for domestic and European challenges.

Alloa Athletic Stuns Airdrieonians to Advance in Premier Sports Cup
Football

Alloa Athletic Stuns Airdrieonians to Advance in Premier Sports Cup

Third-tier Alloa Athletic secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Airdrieonians to top Group C and advance to the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup.

Manchester City Bolsters Squad with German Midfielder Sydney Lohmann
Football

Manchester City Bolsters Squad with German Midfielder Sydney Lohmann

Manchester City signs German midfielder Sydney Lohmann from Bayern Munich, aiming to strengthen their squad for the upcoming WSL season.

Manchester United Secures Bryan Mbeumo in a £65m Deal: A Game-Changer for the Red Devils
Football

Manchester United Secures Bryan Mbeumo in a £65m Deal: A Game-Changer for the Red Devils

Manchester United has finalized a £65m deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, marking a significant addition to their squad ahead of the new season.

Jordan Nobbs Joins Newcastle: A New Chapter for Women's Football in the North East
Football

Jordan Nobbs Joins Newcastle: A New Chapter for Women's Football in the North East

Jordan Nobbs, the WSL record appearance holder, joins Newcastle, aiming to elevate women's football in the North East.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.