Hibernian Make Enquiry About Everton Defender

Reece Welch set to Become Hibs Fourth January Signing

Hibernian have approached Everton regarding a potential loan move for 22-year-old defender Reece Welch, reports Football Insider’s Pete O’Rouke.

The young centre half has played four minutes of senior football for Everton this season, but has made almost 100 appearances for their U21s, and has experienced loan spells at Forest Green Rovers and KMSK Deinze in Belgium.

The former England youth international would join Owen Elding, Kai Andrews, and Dane Scarlett as Hibs’ fourth signing of the January window.

An Edinburgh Bound Evertonian?

Welch will face competition from Rocky Bushiri, Grant Hanley, and Jack Iredale for one of Hibernian’s three starting centre-back spots. The recent injury of Warren O’Hora certainly drew Hibs eyes to the central defender market.

The Everton youngster has previously been a target of League One pair Reading and Rotherham last summer, deciding to stay in Merseyside for an extra six months. He has previously been described as “a tall and dynamic central defender who can play both on the left and right.”

Everton defender Reece Welch is a loan target for Hibs as they look to bring in a centre-back before today’s transfer deadline. #EFC #Hibs #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/uSZJ4O2FUY

— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) February 2, 2026

Welch’s prior loan move to Forest Green was seen as a success, with the defender being recalled early to test himself at a higher level. It did not work out as well in Belgium’s second-tier, as he played just 103 minutes of football.

Hibs are also in talks to sign Oxford United’s Stephan Negru, who spent the first half of this season at Bristol Rovers.