Livingston FC is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Stephane Omeonga following his release from Italian side, Pescara.

The 25-year-old is a familiar face in Scotland having enjoyed two loan spells with today’s opponents Hibernian in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

The Belgian started his career in the youth ranks at Anderlecht before signing for Avellino in Italy. A successful season there saw him win a move to Serie A side Genoa in 2017. After a strong first season in the Italian top flight, playing 20+ times, only 4 appearances in the first-half of the 2018-19 season saw the midfielder move to Hibs on loan for the second half of the campaign.

He quickly became a fans favourite at Easter Road and even lined up for the Hibees against us here at the Tony Macaroni Arena, helping Hibs to a 2-1 win in March 2019.

Stephane would start the 2019/20 season on loan in Belgium with Cercle Brugge before returning to Easter Road in January 2020 for a second spell in the capital. With the season being cut short, Stephane returned to Genoa before joining Pescara in Serie B last summer.

Stephane will join the Lions on a 2-year-deal subject to international clearance and will wear the number 33 shirt.

Manager David Martindale said: “I had spoken to Stephane’s agent at various stages over the last 3 months as he was a player I was always liked but we were a good distance away from what we could pay and what salary Stephane has commanded at previous clubs.

“Obviously the player required a work permit also but we thankfully managed to secure GBE for Stephane on Thursday afternoon. We expect Stephane to be in training in the next 2-4 weeks.

“After lengthy discussions with Marvin who played with Stephane at Hibs, it became evident that he was a player that we had to try to bring in if we could make it fit into our wage structure. 

“He has shown a huge desire to come and play for Livingston and must be commended for that and I know he is here for the correct reasons. He is a player that will improve the squad massively and I we are all looking forward to working with him.”

Welcome to Livingston, Stephane!