Hibs land Chelsea keeper
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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. -
Eh.. I thought this smart Alec here thinks he's as good as Cech?
Look at where he is now.
Cheers.
CK