Hibs have signed Stephane Omeonga on loan.
The Easter Road club have thrashed out a deal, subject to international clearance, that could see the midfielder play in Sunday’s Scottish Cup clash with Dundee United.
The 23-year-old had a successful loan spell last season and has returned to Easter Road in a similar deal from Genoa.
The Italian side sent him out on loan to Cercle Brugge in the summer.
Cercle had the option to buy the Belgium under-21 international out right but the move hasn’t worked out the way either party had hoped and that deal has been terminated.
Omeonga had been linked with a move to Serie B club Cosenza but Hibs head of football Graeme Mathie has made his move.
Boss Jack Ross has been looking for a box-to-box midfielder and Omeonga looks to tick all the boxes.
The Belgian made a real impact under former boss Paul Heckingbottom but financial constraints meant that Hibs could do a deal to keep him.
His value his since dropped and Genoa now want to put him in the shop window where a future deal can be done to sell him to Hibs or elsewhere.
Omeonga was delighted to return "home" to Edinburgh and imparted the messages of support from Hibs fans that made him so keen to return.
He said: “I’m really happy to be back at Hibernian. It feels like home. When I left it felt like I had unfinished business and I said as much at the time.
“As soon as I heard there was a chance for me to come back I jumped at it. It is a special club. I kept in touch with the staff, the players and followed the games.
“From my last game, it feels like not a day has gone by without me getting a nice message from a Hibs supporter on social media and that stays with you. It means a lot.
“It was great to see the boys again at HTC and to get a chance to talk properly to the gaffer.
“I can’t wait to pull the strip back on and show how hungry I am to be involved.”
Hibs Head Coach Jack Ross stressed that Omeonga would add significant qualities to his midfeild.
He said: “We’re delighted to have Stephane on board.
“It’s rare for a player to have made such a good impression on so many people throughout a club in such a short period of time.
“I’d seen enough myself to know what he offers, but it was good to hear others singing his praises.
“He adds energy, tenacity and quality to give us a different option in midfield.
“I’m sure the supporters will give him a warm welcome when they get the chance.”
