Hibernian have announced the signing of Owen Elding from Sligo Rovers. Elding joins on an four-and-a-half year deal with Hibs paying an undisclosed fee.
David Gray’s side have longed for a striker to fill a tall, physical profile to compete with the highly sought after Kieron Bowie. Hibs missed out on Lyndon Dykes on deadline day during the last window, with the Scotland striker since moving to Charlton. Elding is now expected to fill this profile standing at 6ft 2. He has also played part of his career on the right wing, cutting onto his left foot, extremely similar to Kieron Bowie when he first moved to Edinburgh.
Elding is an extremely highly rated youngster back in Ireland, with the 19-year-old also being linked with European clubs such as Club Brugge, Sturm Graz and even Juventus.
In his first interview with the club, Elding said: “I’m buzzing to be here. Got here this morning, did the medical, met a few of the lads, and I’m just buzzing to get going now.
“It’s been hectic. I came in this morning, met everyone and all the staff. Done the medical; there was a lot of testing to be done.
“I came over and visited, and I stayed over last week and watched a few games. It was just the ambition of the Club [that made me want to come here] from when I came round and looked at all the facilities.
“Everything’s top drawer and I’m just buzzing to get going.”
In the 2025 League of Ireland season, Elding found the net on 12 occasions whilst also bagging the Young Player of the Year award. When talking about what he wants to achieve at Hibs, Elding said: “I’m hoping to come in and make a big impact straight away; come in, score a few goals and help the team.
“But, in the long run, hopefully we can get the team into Europe. This club should be competing in European competitions and winning trophies.
“I’m a good, honest worker
“I know where the net is. I’ll give everything for the team and hopefully we can win some football matches.”
This marks Hibs’ first signing of a quiet window, which has frustrated many fans. The club are still linked with German fullback Felix Passlack, but his move is thought to be held up by VfL Bochum anticipating a replacement before allowing the move to go through.
Rumours have also started circulating that David Gray’s side will add ex-Motherwell midfielder Kai Andrews to the ranks, whilst a club-record sale of Kieron Bowie to Hellas Verona seems to be a formality at this stage.
Owen Edling could make his Hibs debut as early as Sunday at home to Rangers.
