Stephane Omeonga won’t be back playing at Easter Road for Hibs this season. He’s penned a deal with Belgian side Cercle Brugge, joining them on a season-long loan.
Paul Heckingbottom was interested in the midfielder but admitted to Edinburgh Live recently that the Belgian’s Leith performances have come at a cost. They put him in the shop window and it has meant that Hibs have been outpriced when trying to bring him back.
It’s a blow for Heckingbottom but not an unexpected one. The chances of an Omeonga return were slim after he impressed during his brief loan stint.
Hibs haven’t brought someone like Omeonga to Easter Road
The Belgian endeared himself to the Leith faithful through piano playing, desire and some brilliant performances in the centre of midfield.
He drove Hibs on with energetic performances. He’d press the opposition into submission. Once the 23-year-old had claimed possession for his side, he’d drive it up the park and start the attack.
Heckingbottom hasn’t brought in a similar player to replace the Belgian, although that was always going to be difficult. Regardless, the Hibees are without a box to box livewire right now.
They haven’t replaced him. There isn’t a midfielder at Hibs who can do the job Omeonga did. The only one similar to him is Josh Vela. It is likely that the former Bolton man will be looked at as the Belgian’s replacement.
Omeonga will be playing in green this season and Hibees supporters will wish it was the green of Hibs.