Speculation is mounting over the future of former Birmingham City defender Grant Hanley, who has been prominently linked with a return to Scottish football following his release from the Championship club. The seasoned Scotland international was recently observed at Easter Road, home of Hibernian FC, fueling intense rumors of a potential player movement to the Scottish Premiership side.
Hanley concluded his tenure with Birmingham City at the close of the previous season, departing after making 17 appearances across all competitions. His arrival in January from Norwich City saw him frequently deployed to shore up matches, contributing defensively in crucial moments for the Blues during his brief but impactful stint.
The 33-year-old center-back was among two senior players released by the club in June, alongside the experienced South Korea international left-back Lee Myung-jae. Hanley’s departure marked the end of a significant chapter in English football, where he spent 17 years plying his trade with clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Norwich City, and ultimately Birmingham.
His presence in the stands at Easter Road on Thursday evening, during Hibernian FC‘s Europa Conference League qualifier against FC Midtjylland, provided the most concrete indication yet of his next potential destination. This sighting immediately sparked considerable excitement among fans and media alike regarding a possible homecoming north of the border for the defender.
Despite Grant Hanley‘s sideline appearance, the match itself proved challenging for Hibs, who suffered a 2-1 defeat after extra-time, leading to their exit from the competition with a 3-2 aggregate scoreline. However, the Edinburgh club still retains a pathway to European football through the Europa Conference League, highlighting their ambitions for the upcoming season.
According to reports from Sky Sports, Hibernian FC has identified Grant Hanley as a key football transfer news target to bolster their squad. The Edinburgh outfit finished an impressive third in the Scottish Premiership last season, positioning themselves as strong contenders in Scottish football behind dominant forces Celtic and Rangers, making the prospect of Hanley joining a significant coup.
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