Joseph Mbong returns to Hibernians

Joseph Mbong has reached an agreement to return to his former club Hibernians.

The Premier League club made the announcement on Friday, in what is seen as a real major statement of intent for the Paolites.

Buoyed by last week’s announcement of the acquisition of a majority stake by American company Sunday Ventures, the Paolites took little time to show their ambition for next season with the signing of Mbong.

The Malta international winger, who was named as the MFA Player of the Year last season, was a free agent after his contract with Ħamrun Spartans expired at the end of last season and failed to agree a new deal with the former Malta champions.

With Mbong back in the market, Hibernians soon seized the opportunity to bring back the player to the club where his career started.

Negotiations were ongoing in the last few weeks and an agreement was finally reached on Thursday evening.

For Mbong, a move to Hibernians marks a return to his roots as he came through the youth ranks of the Paolites before he was promoted to the first team.

In his first spell with Hibernians, Mbong collected 146 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 22 assists.

His performances helped the Paolites to two league titles.

However, the 28-year-old will be looking to build on last season’s performances which saw him finish as the league top scorer with 14 goals and help his new club to challenge for major domestic honours.