No pressure on Sligo recruit Elding for instant impact, says Hibs boss

The 19-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal that could be worth over €1m to Sligo Rovers.

Owen Elding celebrates in Sligo Rovers colours. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Hibernian insist there’s no immediate expectation on Owen Elding after he joined the Scottish club in a package that Sligo Rovers confirm would exceed €1m.

The 19-year-old, named Professional Footballers Association of Ireland young player for last year, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal.

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

Hibs hailed their capture of Elding – English-born but raised in Ireland – ahead of "significant interest from several other European clubs".

His new boss David Gray laid out the rationale of his club, who sit fifth heading into Sunday’s visit of Rangers.

"Certainly there is no pressure in terms of hitting the ground running and expecting big things. He is a young boy coming in and it is his first introduction to Scottish football, but he is certainly an exciting prospect."

"He has done incredibly well for such a young age - he has a range of attributes and a strong physical presence up front," he said.

"He has played a lot of men's football already, has scored a variety of goals and I think he has got a really bright future.” 

We are delighted to announce the permanent signing of exciting young striker Owen Elding! 🥬

The forward joins the Hibees from Irish side Sligo Rovers on a four-and-a-half year deal!

Welcome to Hibs, Owen! 💚

🔗 https://t.co/zSnRrKNDvb pic.twitter.com/4ohOWzLeE2

— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) January 29, 2026

Sligo John Russell didn’t deny the initial report of a €400,000 fee when asked at Wednesday's LOI launch but the club were eager to outline the inclusion of add-ons.

“The transfer is worth an initial significant six-figure sum, which could potentially rise to seven figures over the duration of the contract as Elding departs the club he started out with as a boy,” read a Sligo Rovers statement.

Elding has long been awaiting clearance of his Irish citizenship application to enable him represent Ireland at U21 level.

Other transfers of Irish LOI teens in the mix to be completed before Monday’s deadline are Michael Noonan and Vinnie Leonard.

TSG Hoffenheim are in final discussions with Shamrock Rovers on a €1.8m deal for Noonan, while Dundalk’s Leonard could commit to Norwich City after his Leaving Cert in the summer if they complete a €400,000 deal over the long weekend.