Omeonga’s heart set on Hibs return

STEPHANE Omeonga has told Hibernian chiefs that he wants to return to Easter Road on a permanent basis next season.

Omeonga, 24, remains contracted to Genoa until the summer of 2021 but, barring a remarkable change of heart and personnel, he will not be in the Serie A side’s plan for next term. The combative midfielder could attract interest from teams in Belgium and Holland. However, Omeonga has revealed his heart is set on coming back to Hibs after seeing his second loan spell curtailed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

He said: “For the last two years, every transfer window has been uncertain. This is the life of a footballer and unfortunately I don’t know what will happen next for me. All I can do is try to make my next move the right one. I would love that to be Hibs.

“I want my next club to be somewhere I can play for two or three years. I know it won’t be another loan deal. I need to find a home to grow and improve as a player. I am 24 years old and I am still hungry to achieve some big goals.

“I think the club know this – I have told [sporting director] Graeme [Mathie] and the gaffer [Jack Ross] how I feel.

“I know Scottish football is going through a difficult financial situation after this crisis so I can’t say what it possible. I just need to wait and see.

“Graeme told me he would stay in touch with me and he has kept his word. He is always texting me and asking how I am feeling. Even if he can’t do it in the end, I know he’ll do his best to get me back.”

With Omeonga in the final year of his contract at Genoa, there is no mileage in another loan move for either party.

He added: “I want them to understand my situation. If they are smart then they will realise there is no point in asking for a transfer fee at the moment. I hope the thing they do is let me go for free and ask for a percentage of the next transfer.”