Key Points
- Hibernian FC in advanced talks to sign Zimbabwe international Munashe Garananga on loan from FC Copenhagen until end of season.
- 25-year-old centre-back has travelled to Scotland for medical ahead of deadline day deal.
- Competition from MLS club, but Hibs remain favourites; Copenhagen not planning replacement.
- Garananga brings European experience, including Champions League appearances, to bolster Hibs defence.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 4, 2026 – Hibernian FC are on the verge of securing a late loan deal for FC Copenhagen defender Munashe Garananga, with the Zimbabwe international reportedly woken from a nap by the unexpected offer.
Negotiations between the Scottish Premiership club and the Danish champions are nearing completion, according to reports from Danish outlet Tipsbladet and journalist Farzam Abolhosseini. The 25-year-old centre-back, standing at 186 cm, has limited starts this season but boasts strong stats including 4.83 duels won per 90 minutes and no dispossessions in Superligaen play.
Who is Munashe Garananga and what has he achieved?
Garananga, a right-footed defender with 12 to 17 caps for Zimbabwe since 2023, joined FC Copenhagen in July 2024 after spells at KV Mechelen, FC Sheriff Tiraspol and Dynamo Brest. He wears the No. 4 shirt, helped win the Superligaen title and Danish Cup, and featured four times in the Champions League this season.
According to LFCLive and Football Insider, his market value stands between €1.9 million and €2.5 million, with a contract until June 2028. Despite modest playing time—90 minutes in the league with one assist—his aerial duel wins (3.32 per 90) highlight defensive prowess.
How did the Hibs approach unfold so quickly?
InsideFutbol reports Garananga travelled to Scotland to undergo a medical in Edinburgh before signing, positioning this as Hibs’ sixth January signing and third loan. SportWitness and TransferFeed confirm advanced talks, with David Gray’s side favourites over an MLS rival despite Copenhagen sporting director Sune Smith-Nielsen expecting outflows only.
What competition does Hibs face for his signature?
AfricaSoccer notes earlier speculative links, but recent Danish reporting via Tipsbladet describes Hibs in pole position. The deal carries no buy option, offering low-risk defensive reinforcement for Hibs, who sit mid-table and eye a top-six finish for European qualification.
What does this mean for Hibs’ season?
The move addresses defensive needs amid losses like Kieron Bowie to Hellas Verona, per InsideFutbol. Midlothian View covers Hibs’ recent permanent signing of Ante Suto, underscoring squad building before Monday’s 11pm deadline.
According to Tipsbladet as reported by multiple outlets, Garananga’s arrival could enhance Hibs’ Europa Conference League push without permanent commitment, clarifying his short-term future away from Copenhagen.
