Hibernian make midfielder Alasana Manneh their first January signing

Hibs have made Gambian international Alasana Manneh their first January signing after the midfielder signed a deal at Easter Road.

The 26-year-old was previously in Barcelona’s famous youth academy, La Masia, and featured for their youth team and B Team.

Manneh has since gone on to make almost 200 career appearances playing in the Bulgarian, Polish, and Danish top-flights, and has earned 18 caps to date for Gambia on the international front.

The central midfielder signs on for an undisclosed fee from Odense Boldklub (OB), who were sitting top of the Danish 1st Division, and has set up seven goals in 17 league games over the course of the season so far.

He has put pen-to-paper on a three-and-a-half-year deal at Easter Road, subject to international clearance and visa approval.

Head coach David Gray said: “We’re delighted to bring Alasana to the club.

“As a player he’s very competitive, has a fantastic work ethic, and has good technical ability on the ball. At 26, he has good experience at senior level and playing in high-level leagues, and he adds extra strength in depth to the middle of our midfield. I look forward to working with him.”

Hibernian FC sporting director Malky Mackay added: “We have been diligent in our work throughout the January transfer window to ensure we add quality and not quantity to our First Team squad.

“Alasana is someone we’ve been watching for a long period of time knowing his contract was due to expire in the summer. After positive conversations with OB, we’re delighted we’ve been able to agree a deal to bring him in during the January window, so he can make a real impact from now until the rest of the season.

“He has a real good pedigree coming from Barcelona’s Academy and playing in the top-flights in Poland and Denmark, and I look forward to seeing him perform for us.”