Hibernian have signed goalkeeper Yves Ma Kalambay from
Chelsea.
Kalambay has agreed a three-year deal and will arrive at Easter
Road on 1st January.
The 21-year-old had a trial with Hibs in January and John Collins
had wanted to recruit him for the second half of last season.
However, he was recalled by Chelsea to cover for the injured Petr
Cech and Carlo Cudicini.
Despite not making a first-team appearance in his four years at
Stamford Bridge, Collins believes the young Belgian has a bright
future ahead of him.
"We were all very impressed by Yves when he came to Easter Road in
January and had hoped he might join us at that point," Collins told
Hibernian's official website.
"Chelsea required him to return as back-up and we had to be
patient.
"He is again a young signing for us but of tremendous
potential.
"He is a good height for a goalkeeper at 6ft 5in tall and is very
strong and athletic - in fact he has all the attributes you could
expect to find in a player in that position.
"He has benefited from world-class coaching at Chelsea under
Silvino Lauro but such is the quality of goalkeepers at Chelsea
there was little opportunity for first-team football and at this
stage in his career that is what Yves is seeking.
"Yves will continue to develop at our club and have every
opportunity to reach his full potential, something that I am
confident he will achieve."
Kalambay will compete with Andrew McNeil for the role of
first-choice keeper at Hibernian.
