Hibs have been very active in this season’s summer transfer window. They have already brought in Scott Allan, Christian Doidge, Joe Newell, Adam Jackson, Tom James and Chris Maxwell.
They’ve recruited swiftly and effectively, although more work has to be done.
Here are three things Hibs still have to bring in this summer.
A striker
Hibs have two first-team quality finishers in Florian Kamberi and Christian Doidge. If either of them, or both, get firing this season then Hibs will have struck gold.
They have both proven they know where the net is but competition is needed. Oli Shaw showed last season that whilst he has potential, he needs a loan spell out to realise it. At times he just didn’t look ready for the Hibs senior team, despite making 35 appearances.
A third choice striker is needed. They need to be proven or at least have potential to be good in front of goal. They also need to be content with missing games here and there, who’s main responsibility will be to push Doidge and Kamberi for starting berths.
A CDM
The Hibees lost Mark Milligan and Marvin Bartley at the end of last season and haven’t really replaced them as of yet.
With Scott Allan, Stephen Mallan and Vykintas Slivka probably making up Heckingbottom’s midfield currently, a defensive anchor is needed.
They need someone who can do the dirty work Milligan and former loanee Stephane Omeonga did last year. Speaking to the BBC recently, Heckingbottom has said he wants to bring the Belgian back to Easter Road. As time goes on, this deal looks more and more unlikely.
They may even need two for competition. Regardless, they need to bring in one at least. Hibs’ midfield is very attack heavy right now and some of their transfer budget should be allocated to replacing the midfield anchors who have departed this summer.
Experience
This one has no specific position, but of the two areas mentioned, one of the picks should be a guy with experience.
Hibs have plenty of it at the back with Paul Hanlon, Darren McGregor, Lewis Stevenson and David Gray. They don’t have much of it in midfield or attack.
A signing like former Hibee Grant Holt would be great for the young attackers at the club. The experienced frontman, whoever it may be, would provide guidance and support for Hibs’ young forwards like Jamie Gullan.
They could be doing with experience in front of the back four on matchdays. Lee Cattermole and Youssouf Mulumbu are available on free transfers just now. Both would be good experienced men to help guide the rest of the Hibs team from the middle.
Experience is key for any team and Hibs have to add some this summer.