Former Hibs duo heading for free agency ahead of summer transfer window as Premiership clubs make decisions

A former Hibs pairing are heading for free agency after decisions made by Premiership clubs.

St Johnstone are heading back to the top flight a year after relegation following their Championship title win under Simo Valakari. Part of their squad was Stevie Mallan, who joined on a one-year deal after getting back into senior football following a lengthy injury, previously featuring 95 times for Hibs with 20 goals and 17 assists from midfield to boot.

Kilmarnock meanwhile stayed in the Premiership after Neil McCann’s arrival as boss and Kyle Magennis was a member of the squad. The midfielder’s career since joining Hibs from St Mirren has been plagued by injury issues, featuring just six times in the league for Killie during term 25/26, having played 49 times through his stint in Leith. Mallan is confirmed as released by St Johnstone while Magennis is listed under ‘out of contract’ by Kilmarnock.

What former Hibs players are set to become free agents this summer?

A St Johnstone statement reads: “We are now in a position to provide a squad update following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. As is natural at all football clubs, members of the squad will be departing us at the end of their current contracts. It is important that we place on record our thanks to every single one of them. There are players leaving us who have been with St Johnstone Football Club for a considerable length of time – joining McDiarmid Park at a young age and working hard to achieve first team recognition.

“We wish every Saint departing the very best with their next steps in the game. Stevie Mallan also joined us at McDiarmid Park in the summer of 2025 and quickly made his mark in our league opener against Partick Thistle. His impressive free-kick from distance rounded off a special 5-1 result. That was one of two goals for the club, with the other coming from the penalty spot against Arbroath. In total, Stevie made 19 appearances for Saints across all competitions.”

Killie’s address states: “Kilmarnock Football Club can confirm its retained list upon the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The club sincerely thanks each player for their contributions to Killie and wishes all of those departing the best of luck in their future endeavours.”

Why was Kyle Magennis missing for Kilmarnock?

Amid other long-term injuries to goalkeeper Max Stryjek and right-back Jamie Brandon, then-Killie boss Stuart Kettlewell revealed more surgery was needed for Magennis. He said in November 2025: “There’s no update other than the fact that they’re long-term injuries and that we don’t expect anybody fresh to be back involved in the group.

“There’ll no be a new option from last weekend. Kyle and Jamie and Max these types of guys, you’re not going to see them again until the new year. Kyle’s had an operation in his knee, so he’s a bit of a clean-out in his knee.

“He had a hamstring problem, he had a bit of an issue with his knee, so he’s undergone surgery. Like I say, you’ll not see him until the new year.”

The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly