Hibernian chief executive Leeann Dempster believes the signing of Celtic defender Efe Ambrose is a “coup” for the club.
The Scottish Premiership newcomers confirmed on their official club website on Thursday evening that they had successfully completed the transfer of the 28-year-old after an impressive loan spell.
Ambrose, who has been capped 47 times by the Nigeria national team, moves to Easter Road on a two-year-deal, ending a five-year spell with Scottish champions Celtic.
Hibernian have already signed Simon Murray and Danny Swanson, but following their latest summer arrival, Hibs chief Dempster has admitted that the club had pulled-off a transfer coup.
She told the club’s website: “Efe is a player of real quality, and one who excited the fans when he arrived on a short-term deal.
“The club as a whole are delighted to be bringing in a player with his quality and experience. Bringing in a player like Efe is a coup and the supporters played their part.
“We now have over 11,300 season ticket holders, this is the sort of backing that helps us to bring in players with his quality as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Ambrose had initially moved to Hibernian on loan during the second-half of the 2016-17 season, where he made 12 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal.
But they have successfully completed his permanent transfer to the club, having been forced to wait for an endorsement from the Scottish FA and for a Visa to be “wholly ratified” ahead of the move.
The centre-back made 169 appearances in all competitions for Celtic, but had slipped down the pecking order at the club under manager Brendan Rodgers.
He earned only two appearances prior to his move to Hibernian last season, as Rodgers swiftly turned his attention to his more consistent, and more reliable performers.
Ambrose is the second defender to depart Celtic on Thursday, after it was also confirmed that 21-year-old Eoghan O’Connell had completed a permanent switch to League One outfit Bury.