Hibs transfer: Owen Elding joins from Sligo Rovers

Hibernian have signed winger Owen Elding from League of Ireland Premiership side Sligo Rovers for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old, who was named by the Irish Professional Footballers’ Association as the 2025 Young Player of the Year, has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract.

Elding scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 38 appearances for Sligo Rovers last season.

Hibs say they chose Easter Road ahead of “significant interest from several other European clubs”, with Austrian club Strom Graz reported to be interested in Elding.

Manager David Gray says the young striker, who was named Sligo Player of the Year for 2025, has huge potential.

“He has performed incredibly well at such a young age, he has a combination of attributes and a strong physical presence up front,” he said.

“He’s played a lot of men’s football already, scored a variety of goals and I think he has a really bright future.

“There’s certainly no pressure in terms of hitting the ground running and expecting big things. He’s a young lad coming through and this is his first introduction to Scottish football, but he’s certainly an exciting prospect.”

Elding arrives at Easter Road as speculation mounts over the future of Scotland striker Kieron Bowie.

Italian club Hellas Verona had their bid rejected earlier this week for the striker and he is expected to return with an improved offer.