Thursday January 29th 2026
New signing Owen Elding (photo by Hibernian FC / Cameron Allan)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Hibs have announced the signing of young striker Owen Elding.
The 19-year-old has signed for an undisclosed fee from Sligo Rovers, joining the Hibees on a four-and-a-half year deal.
The sought-after 6’2 striker becomes Hibs first signing of the January transfer window, with the teenager opting for Hibs over interest from other European clubs.
The centre-forward, who can also play out wide, scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 38 matches for League of Ireland Premier Division side Sligo Rovers across the 2025 season.
His standout performances saw him named PFA Ireland Young Player of the Year, Sligo Rovers’ Player of the Year, and included in the PFA Ireland Team of the Year.
Elding’s long-term contract will keep him at the Club until Summer 2030.
Upon the arrival of Elding, Hibernian FC Head Coach David Gray commented:
“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.
“During his time in Ireland, he has proved he is capable of scoring all kinds of goals and brings with him a range of fantastic attributes and a strong physical presence up front.
“He has a full pre-season under his belt, he’s got a positive, hard-working attitude and I am looking forward to working with him going forward.”
Hibernian FC Sporting Director, Malky Mackay added:
“We’re delighted to get this deal over the line and welcome Owen to Hibernian FC.
“He is a really exciting young talent with a brilliant attitude and we are really pleased that he saw his long-term future at Hibs, despite having other offers.
“I would like to thank the Gordon Family for their backing, Sligo Rovers for their collaboration, and Owen’s family for their support throughout the process.
“Everyone at the Club is looking forward to working with Owen and we’re excited to see him make his mark in Scotland.”
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