BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
OFIR MARCIANO has expressed his delight after finally completing his protracted move to Hibs.
The 27-year-old last night penned a four-year contract to make his move to the capital club permanent following a successful loan stint last term.
He played 28 times for the Hibees – keeping 13 clean sheets – as they claimed the Championship title and reached the Scottish Cup semi-final.
Marciano’s form also saw the towering stopper reclaim his place in the Israel starting line-up, winning his 11th cap for his country against Spain in March.
Hibs made no secret of their desire tie the custodian to a long-term deal and, after weeks of negotiations with parent club MS Ashdod, Marciano has arrived for a six-figure fee.
He told Hibs TV: “I’m very happy that we have managed to agree everything and I am here now.
“It has not been an easy process but I am pleased to get it done – finally.
“I wanted to become a better player when I came here and I think I did that. That’s why I wanted to come back to Hibs. I have everything I need here to become a better player.
“Last year was an amazing experience playing in front of the fans at Easter Road. It is a privilege to play in front of them every week and we will be working hard to make them happy again this season.”
Marciano is Hibs’ fourth summer signing following the captures of Danny Swanson, Simon Murray and Efe Ambrose as Neil Lennon’s men eye an assault on the top-six in their first top-flight campaign since 2013/14.
