Hibernian sporting director Malky Mackay has explained why a deadline-day move for Birmingham City striker Lyndon Dykes collapsed, saying talks “didn’t get there in the end, it’s as simple as that.”
The Easter Road hierarchy held discussions with Blues and the player as the window ticked down, but Hibs ultimately walked away after the parameters of a loan could not be agreed, with Birmingham wary of leaving Chris Davies short at centre-forward.
‘Some you do and some you don’t’
Mackay outlined a frenetic final day in which “agents throw names at you by the minute,” stressing that Hibs had aimed to complete most of their business before deadline pressure set in. Even so, Dykes emerged as a credible late option to spearhead David Gray’s attack, only for negotiations to stall on the financials and the level of cover Birmingham would require to sanction an exit. “Some you do and some you don’t… we move on,” was the blunt summary from the sporting director.
For Birmingham, the calculation was straightforward. Dykes, 29, is pushing to play regularly to protect his Scotland place and has already opened his account this term, yet Davies’ squad planning after promotion back to the Championship meant any departure had to be on strictly defined terms. With those conditions not met before the cut-off, Blues kept their No 17 in the building.
January remains on the table
Both clubs are expected to reassess in January if circumstances shift. Should Dykes’ minutes diminish across the autumn, the deal could be revisited, particularly if Hibs still feel light in the number-nine role. Conversely, if he cements a role under Davies, any mid-season move would be unlikely. For now, Mackay insists Hibs are content with their window, while leaving the door ajar for opportunistic business when the market reopens.
Writer’s View
There is no grand mystery here, just the cold arithmetic of deadline-day football. Hibs saw a chance to add international pedigree and pushed; Birmingham valued depth in a vital position and held their line. Mackay’s candour is notable, and his “some you do, some you don’t” refrain is exactly how clubs must think when the clock is red.
January will hinge on two variables: Dykes’ minutes under Davies and Hibs’ goal return between now and the break. If either side’s situation changes, this one can be picked back up very quickly. Until then, expect Birmingham to keep leaning on experience at the top end of the pitch and Hibs to spread goals around while they monitor the market from a position of patience rather than desperation.
