Hibs boosted by capture of Kamberi
HIBS were last night celebrating a transfer coup when they completed the signing of loan star Florian Kamberi on a permanent deal. The 23-year-old striker has penned a three-year contract with the Easter Road club after leaving Grasshopper Zurich for an undisclosed fee. Kamberi was a smash hit for Hibs after moving on loan in January, scoring nine goals in 14 games for Neil Lennon’s men. The frontman was on the losing side just once during his half-season in Scotland, scoring from the penalty spot in a 2-1 derby defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle in May. And, despite interest from Jack Ross’s Sunderland, Hibs were able to activate a clause in their original loan agreement to snap up the impressive former Switzerland Under-21 international. Last night, a delighted Kamberi pledged to help Hibs build on last season’s achievements, which saw Lennon’s side finish fourth in their first season back in the top flight and qualify for the Europa League. ‘I am very happy to be coming back to Hibs,’ he said. ‘I want to continue where I left off and help the club to continue to improve. ‘We are in Europe and have a good squad, so it will be a good season I’m sure.’ Hibs chief executive Leeann Dempster travelled with recruitment chief Graeme Mathie to meet Kamberi and seal the deal. ‘Florian was a priority target for us, so we’re delighted to get it done,’ she said. Kamberi forged a potent strike partnership with Jamie Maclaren, who joined in January on loan from FC Darmstadt. Maclaren’s fine form saw him included in the Australian squad for the World Cup in Russia. Darmstadt boss Dirk Schuster insists Maclaren will return to the German club next season but Hibs remain keen to take the 24-year-old back to Easter Road.