HIBERNIAN have sanctioned a club-record departure for Kieron Bowie—but David Gray hasn’t wasted a second, officially unveiling PFAI Young Player of the Year Owen Elding as his replacement.
The 23-year-old Bowie is set to fly to Italy on Friday to complete a staggering £7 million move to Hellas Verona. The deal, which includes a guaranteed £6m fee plus significant add-ons, officially breaks the 19-year record held by Scott Brown’s move to Celtic.
The New Number 9: Owen Elding Signs
Hibs fans didn’t have to wait long for a new hero. The club confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Owen Elding has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal from Sligo Rovers. The 19-year-old arrive at Easter Road with a massive reputation, having netted 16 goals last season and swept the individual awards in Ireland.
Despite interest from Juventus and Club Brugge, Elding chose the Hibees. David Gray was quick to praise his new man’s physicality:
“Owen is a really exciting player who has demonstrated his ability to score plenty of goals at a competitive level at a very young age,” Gray said. “He brings with him a range of fantastic attributes and a strong physical presence up front.”
Double Deal: Kai Andrews Joins on Loan
It was a frantic Thursday at Easter Road, as the club also secured a loan deal for Coventry City’s **Kai Andrews**. The 19-year-old Wales international is no stranger to the SPFL, having impressed during a loan spell at Motherwell last season. He arrives to bolster a midfield currently missing the injured Josh Mulligan.
Financial Windfall
While Hibs lose their star man in Bowie, the financial landscape of the club has shifted. After paying Sligo a “significant six-figure sum” for Elding, the board still sits on a massive profit from the Bowie sale—funds that could yet be used before Monday’s deadline.
Hibees—we’ve lost Bowie but gained the most exciting young talent in Ireland. Is the squad stronger now than it was 24 hours ago? Drop your thoughts below!
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
