Hibernian sign Jacob Devaney on loan from Manchester United and agree deal for Colton Swan

Double arrival at Easter Road

Scottish Premiership club Hibernian completed moves for two 19-year-old players on 23 August 2026, adding Manchester United midfielder Jacob Devaney and Charleston Battery forward Colton Swan. Devaney arrives on a season-long loan that contains an option for the Edinburgh club to complete a permanent transfer in the summer of 2027. The club secured Swan on a full transfer from the USL Championship, though the American forward will remain with Charleston Battery until December 2026 before relocating to Scotland.

Hibernian head coach David Gray and sporting director Malky Mackay targeted both teenagers to strengthen the squad across multiple positions ahead of the transfer deadline. Devaney is set to integrate into the first-team group immediately, while Swan will finish the 2026 USL Championship campaign in the United States before linking up with his new teammates at Easter Road for the second half of the Scottish season.

Devaney arrives with Premiership experience

Devaney joins Hibernian following thirteen years in the Manchester United academy system, which he entered at six years of age. The midfielder captained United's Under-21 squad at age 18 and earned the club's Youth Scholar of the Year award in 2025 following his displays for the youth sides. During the 2025–2026 campaign, he led United's Premier League 2 team during the first half of the year before joining St Mirren on loan, where he made 18 Scottish Premiership appearances as a deep-lying playmaker, recording one goal and one assist.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international participated in senior pre-season fixtures for Manchester United in July 2026, appearing against Wrexham and scoring as a substitute in a 5-0 victory over Norwegian side Rosenborg. Gray pointed to the player's prior knowledge of the Scottish league as an asset for his team.

He already has experience of Scottish football and knows the demands of the Premiership, which will be important as he settles into the squad.

Rival interest and recruitment strategy

Hibernian secured Devaney despite interest from several competing clubs across Britain. Sporting director Malky Mackay expressed satisfaction with finalizing the agreement before the conclusion of the summer transfer window, noting that the midfielder chose Easter Road over other options.

A lot of clubs were understandably interested in Jacob, so we're delighted that he saw his future at Hibs. I would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts in getting this deal over the line.

The loan arrangement gives Hibernian full evaluation rights over the course of the season, with the contractual clause providing a clear pathway to make the transfer permanent next year if Devaney meets performance expectations in Edinburgh. Gray confirmed that the priority for the coaching staff is to help the midfielder settle quickly into team dynamics ahead of upcoming league fixtures.

Swan's winter timetable and profile

Alongside the midfield addition, Hibernian agreed a permanent deal for American forward Colton Swan. The 6ft 2in striker developed in the Colorado Rapids academy, where he won the Under-16 MLS Cup Golden Boot, before moving into senior football in the USL Championship with Charleston Battery. In the 2026 season, the USA Under-20 international produced 11 goals and three assists for Charleston.

Swan will continue competing in North America throughout autumn before arriving at Easter Road in December. His addition will provide David Gray with another attacking option for the remainder of the Scottish Premiership schedule.