Walsall could lose star defender Oisin McEntee to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian according to a report.
The Irish defender joined The Saddlers in 2022 on a free transfer from Greenock Morton and has played 71 times for the club. He has featured in 24 of their League Two matches this season as they sit at the top of the fourth tier, one point ahead of Bradford City.
Hibs Target McEntee
According to a report from the Scottish Daily Record, Hibernian have identified McEntee as a key target over the summer with his contract at Bescot Stadium expiring at the end of the campaign. David Gray’s side have exceeded expectations to be the best of the rest in the Scottish Premiership and are closing in on a place in European competition next season.
It is believed that the Edinburgh side are already beginning the process of recruiting him through background checks done by Sporting Director and former Cardiff City boss Malky Mackay. They are looking at a defensive rebuild between seasons as former Norwich City man Rocky Bushiri and Australian defender Lewis Miller’s contract expire at the end of this campaign.
McEntee was a graduate of the Newcastle United academy but never made an appearance for The Magpies and has been a regular in the youth sides for the Republic of Ireland.
Writer’s View
Walsall’s brilliant 12 months has already seen interest in their best players. Of course, Nathan Lowe was already snatched up by parent club Stoke City in January, whilst Isaac Hutchinson was bought by Bristol Rovers last summer. Oisin McEntee has been a very solid player and for Mat Sadler hasn’t played enough due to injuries in September and October. With his contract expiring this summer and the lure of European football on the horizon if Hibernian make a move, it may be impossible for The Walsall to tempt the defender to return for another season or beyond.
