Owen Elding's move from Sligo Rovers to Hibernian FC has been confirmed with the teenager signing a four-and-a-half year deal with the Scottish Premiership outfit.
Edling's form last season in the League of Ireland had drawn plenty of interest after the attacker scored 16 goals in 38 games for the Bit o' Red.
His performances were recognised with him being named PFA Ireland Young Player of the Year, Sligo Rovers' Player of the Year, as well as being included in the PFA Ireland Team of the Year.
Rovers manager John Russell had as much as confirmed the deal yesterday when he spoke to RTÉ Sport, saying that "both clubs have agreed a deal, it's just the formalities now and getting his medical done."
The club confirmed that the fee is, "an initial significant six-figure sum, which could potentially rise to seven figures" for the player who joined the Sligo as a 12-year-old.
Speaking this morning, Elding said he was looking forward to his new chapter in Scotland.
"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."
Hibs manager David Gray added: "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."
Sligo boss Russell paid tribute to the player as he departs: "His outstanding talent combined with his mentality makes him a top player.
"He's been a joy to work with. His character really shone through last year. Not only did he score important and spectacular goals, but he became a real leader at such a young age.
"Owen progressed through our academy and once he joined the first team he showed a real hunger and desire to improve every day. His success last season was no coincidence.
"We wish him the best of luck with this move to Hibs in Scotland and no doubt he has a big future ahead of him.
"We’re obviously disappointed to lose him so close to the start of the new season but he departs having left his mark at the club. We now move on to our opening game of the season next week in Derry."
Elsewhere, Bohemians confirmed the signing of right-back Darragh Power.
Power joins from English League Two outfit Cheltenham Town, after playing 33 times in the 13 months he spent at the club, with his final minutes coming against Crawley Town at the start of January.
The Kilmacthomas native previously played with Waterford FC, amassing 140 appearances for the Blues in a five-years spell between 2019 and 2024.
Current Bohs manager Alan Reynolds, from Tramore, was the assistant manager in the south-east during latter of Power's time there.
"Last time I worked with Rennie, we won promotion from the First Division so I've had good success working with him," Power said.
"It was important to come to a place where I am wanted and having worked with Rennie, he knows how to get the very best out of me, so I am really looking forward to getting started.
"I think my year in England will stand to me coming to Bohs too. I had a really good year with Cheltenham, I loved it there and I wish them all the very best for the future.
"I’m a home bird at heart so when the chance came to come back to Ireland and work with Rennie again, I jumped at the opportunity.
"We are obviously all looking forward to our first game now. I’ve never played at the Aviva Stadium before, so I am hoping I will get that opportunity."
Across town, St Patrick's Athletic have brought Glory Nzingo back to Inchicore ahead of that clash with Bohs at Aviva Stadium.
Nzingo joins from Swansea City having recently returned to south Wales following a loan spell with MLS Next Pro outfit Carolina Core.
The 21-year-old joined the Pat's Academy from Cherry Orchard, making his senior debut for the club a friendly against Chelsea in 2019. He then moved to French side Stade de Reims in the summer of 2021.
"We had to get this deal done before the end of the transfer window, and having spoken to Stephen (Kenny) I really liked his plan and where he wants the club to go," Nzingo said.
"The team seems very ambitious and I wanted to be a part of it. I had some very nice moments here before in the Academy, winning, and the people and the club and I want to do that again."
