Hibs chase former England goalie as Gray closes in on first signing
Hibs are pursuing former England Under-21 goalkeeper Josef Bursik as a potential No. 1. The Club Brugge keeper is available, despite being under contract until 2027, and looking for a move back to the UK after failing to make the first team in Belgium.
The 23-year-old is seen as an option to challenge Jojo Wollacott for the starting position at Easter Road following the retirement of former Scotland great David Marshall, who has now taken up a new role as technical performance manager, working under the guidance of new sporting director Malky Mackay. Wollacott filled in for Marshall when the veteran picked up a niggling injury towards the end of last season – but has not cemented his place in the starting XI.
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New head coach David Gray is eager that Wollacott face serious competition for the role. And he’s identified Bursik as a contender.
The former Stoke goalkeeper, who played over 50 times for the Potters in the Championship, was former England midfielder Scott Parker’s first signing for Brugge in January of 2023. Parker’s dismissal from the job in March of last year didn’t help his chances of breaking through – and a serious knee injury sustained last summer set Bursik back further.
The former AFC Wimbledon prospect, who was restricted to appearances for Brugge’s academy team during his time in Belgium, has fully recovered from the cruciate ligament damage and is looking to resurrect a career that saw him win international honours with England right up to Under-21 level, where he played alongside current international stars Marc Guehi, Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher, among other big names. Hibs return to pre-season training tomorrow, Gray’s first full day at the helm following his fourth stint as interim boss following Nick Montgomery’s sacking with two games of last season remaining - and play their first friendly against Edinburgh City at Meadowbank on Saturday week.