What's happened
Hibernian FC has secured two 19-year-olds, Jacob Devaney and Colton Swan, on deals that include a future option for a permanent move and a US-based loan spell to conclude 2026. Both players arrive amid strong competition and positive early impressions from the club’s staff.
What's behind the headline?
Context and what this means for Hibs
- Jacob Devaney has been in the Manchester United system since age six and has captained youth squads, suggesting leadership potential. Hibs emphasise his Premiership experience and readiness to adapt quickly.
- Colton Swan has shown goalscoring and playmaking ability in USL, indicating tangible attacking potential that could translate to Scottish football.
- The signings signal a deliberate, long-term rebuild strategy at Easter Road, prioritising youth with international exposure over short-term fixes.
- The timing of the deals, with both players proceeding to join in December, underscores a phased integration path that aligns with the club’s winter schedule.
- Expect ongoing evaluation through the rest of 2026 as these players settle and push for first-team opportunities.
How we got here
The deals bring Devaney, a Manchester United academy product and Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, and Swan, a United States youth international, to Hibernian. Devaney has Premier League 2 and St Mirren loan experience, while Swan emerged from the Colorado Rapids academy and starred for Charleston in the USL. Both are viewed as long-term prospects who fit the club’s development plan.
Our analysis
- The Scotsman, Matthew Elder: coverage of Devaney and Swan signings, quotes from Hibs staff. - BBC Business, coverage of Devaney’s prior United caps and development. - The Scotsman, further details on the players’ academy backgrounds and international exposure.
Go deeper
- What does this mean for Hibs’ current midfield and attack options?
- When will Devaney and Swan join the first-team squad for training in December?
- What is the expected impact on Hibs’ transfer strategy this window?
More on these topics
-
Malky Mackay - Scottish football coach
Malcolm George Mackay is a Scottish professional football coach and former player, who is currently the manager of Ross County. Mackay, who played as a defender, began his playing career in Scottish football, with Queen's Park and Celtic. He joined Englis
-
St Mirren F.C. - Football club
St Mirren Football Club is a Scottish professional football club based in Paisley, Renfrewshire, founded in 1877. They play in the Scottish Premiership after winning the 2017–18 Scottish Championship.
-
Hibernian F.C. - Association football club in Edinburgh, Scotland
Hibernian Football Club (), commonly known as Hibs, is a professional football club in Edinburgh, Scotland. The team competes in the Scottish Premiership, the top division of Scottish football. The club was founded in 1875 by members of Edinburgh's Irish community, and the name is derived from the Latin for Ireland. The Irish heritage of Hibernian is reflected in the name, colours and badge of the club. The green main shirt colour is usually accompanied by white sleeves and shorts. Their local rivals are Heart of Midlothian, with whom they contest the Edinburgh derby. Home matches are played at Easter Road, which has been in use since 1893, when the club joined the Scottish Football League. The name of the club is regularly shortened to Hibs, with the team also known as the Hibees (pronounced ) and supporters known as "Hibbies". Another nickname is "the Cabbage", derived from the shortened rhyming slang for Hibs ("Cabbage and ribs"). Hibernian have won the Scottish league championship four times, most recently in 1952. Three of those four championships were won between 1948 and 1952, when the club had the services of The Famous Five forward line. The club have won the Scottish Cup three...