Hibs have revealed tonight that they have allowed young attacker Connor Young to join Rangers.
Despite scoring 25 goals last season and being added to the new development squad at Easter Road, Hibs have allowed the youngster to move on.
Rangers have paid a "five-figure" fee and the Hibees have inserted a sell-on clause in the deal
Hibs academy boss Steve Kean has revealed that the club already has Josh O'Connor and Ethan Laidlaw, who are both expected to challnge for the first-team in the future and felt caryying three strikers was too much.
Speaking to the official club websute, Kean said:
“Connor was part of a very successful U18 side last season, and scored a lot of goals, so it’s no surprise that there has been interest in him.
“Last season there were a number of scouts from Scotland and England watching our games, which is a testament to the young players we have in the Academy and the coaching curriculum that we’re offering at Hibernian FC.
“Alongside Ethan Laidlaw and Josh O’Connor, Connor was one of the strikers that did well last season, and his departure allows those two to have a clearer pathway towards the First Team.
“We’re really excited about the potential that Ethan and Josh have. Ethan was away with Scotland’s Under-17s this summer for the Euros, and Josh made a cameo appearance for the First Team last season away at Aberdeen. They’re both pacey strikers that love to get in-behind defences and cause opposition players problems.
“We received a very good amount for Connor, alongside his sell-on, and that allows us to give more opportunities to Ethan and Josh. We have a strong belief that if they can continue their upward trajectory, they have every chance to be First Team players in the future.”
HIBS-MAD VIEW:
We must admit, we find this one a bit strange.
Connor has been superb for the U19's, and along with Josh and Ethan terrorised defences.
But we see where the club is coming from.
If they think they have two better strikers in the youth system, then it would only hold Connor back and clog up the pathway to the first team having three strikers.
Good luck to Connor in the future.
Tell us what you think on our forum HERE