Hibernians FC agree deal to sign Ivory Coast international wing back Bagayoko

Hibernians FC have reached an agreement to sign Ivory Coast wing back Mamadou Bagayoko, the Times of Malta can confirm.

The Paolites have been looking to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window in a bid to mount a stronger challenge for a return to European football next season.

Coach Branko Nisevic is keen to improve all areas of the pitch and has targeted Bagayoko, an Ivory Coast international, as one of his prime targets.

Negotiations between the two parties have successfully been concluded and the 34-year-old has already started training with the Paolites this week.

Bagayoko arrives in Malta with an eye-catching CV as the lateral defender has played for some top sides on the continent during his career, namely Slovan Bratislava, in Slovakia, Sint-Truiden and KV Mechelen in Belgium as well as Universitae Craiova, in Romania.

He won the league title three times with Slovan Bratislava and the Belgian second division title with KV Mechelen.

During his career Bagayoko has represented his country 16 times since making his debut with the team in September 2015 in an Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone that finished in a goalless draw.

Bagayoko becomes Hibernians’ second signing in the winter transfer window as the Paolites have already agreed a deal to sign Malta U-21 goalkeeper Hugo Sacco.

Sacco has been brought in by the Paolites to provide good cover in the goalkeeping department in the coming weeks since goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone will be representing his country, Guinea, in the African Cup of Nations.