Football
Exclusive: Hibernian Look to Keep Deadline-Day Star Dan Barlaser Beyond Loan Spell
Hibernian are eager for Dan Barlaser to stay after a successful loan spell from Middlesbrough. The highly regarded midfielder is set to leave Boro and Hibs hope to secure his future. Barlaser has become a fan favorite and has adapted well to Scottish football, making an impact in midfield.
Motherwell v Hibernian - William Hill Premiership by Craig Foy - SNS Group | Getty Images
Hibernian are desperate for Dan Barlaser to commit his future to the club, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The defensive midfielder was a deadline-day loan signing from Championship Middlesbrough and is highly regarded at Easter Road.
Barlaser, 29, is in his last year at the Riverside and is surplus to requirements at the club. It is understood he will not be offered a new deal at Boro.
The player has been a revelation at Hibs and has instantly become a hit among the club's die-hard fans.
Hibs’ boss David Gray was desperate for a number six type in his midfield after Nectar Triantis decided to move to the MLS after two successful loan spells at the club.
Our sources have been told the Scottish top-flight club are hopeful they will be at the front of the queue when it comes to Barlaser choosing his next club.
Barlaser became available on deadline day, but Championship interest failed to culminate in a deal as the window slammed shut.
But there was time for Hibs to pounce with the later 11pm closure in Scotland and they managed to welcome the much-needed player into their squad.
Speaking about the transition to Scottish football, he said: “I knew it was going to be intense. And obviously, I think people say English football is probably better than Scottish football. I don't think that's the case.”
“I think there's a lot of good technical players in this league, and I think it gets better and better every year. I've spoken to a couple of people who've played up there and said the exact same thing. I've enjoyed it being very intense, and that's been the case.”
Earlier this year, SportsBoom reported Hibs’ interest in Ipswich right-back Harry Clarke, with the club said to be set to revisit a potential loan in January after the defender struggled for game time.
Promotion Hero
Barlaser made 67 league appearances for Boro after joining the club from Rotherham United in January 2023.
He struggled to make himself a permanent fixture in the Middlesbrough midfield with his last start coming in February when he was hauled off at half-time.
Barlaser made his name at Rotherham and penned a three-year deal at the club in 2020 following a successful loan spell at the Millers.
He was part of the double League One promotion and EFL Trophy side in the 2021/22 season and was named in the EFL Team of the Year.
Shane is a seasoned sports journalist and one of the most recognisable voices in the snooker pressroom. From Ronnie O’Sullivan to Zhao Xintong, he has sat down with the sport’s biggest names and broken hundreds of front-page national stories.
Alongside his work for SportsBoom, Shane regularly freelances for national outlets including the Daily Mirror, Daily Express, and Daily Star.
While cricket is Shane’s true passion, particularly Test cricket, he keeps it largely separate from his professional work. But don’t expect him to be sold on The Hundred as the future of the game.