Hibs confirm winger's departure as homeland club secures free transfer

Hibs have confirmed the exit of another player, taking the total number of summer departures so far to seven.

Runar Hauge is the latest to leave Easter Road, the winger returning to his homeland with FK Jerv on a free transfer. Jerv, which means ‘wolverine’ in Norwegian, play in the southern part of the country and compete in the second-tier OBOS-ligaen following their relegation from the Eliteserien last season. They currently lie eighth out of 16 teams with 15 matches played.

The 21-year-old joined Hibs in January 2022 as the second of two signings from Bodø/Glimt along with Elias Melkersen and made his debut in a goalless draw with Dundee in March that year. He spent the first half of last season on loan with Dundalk in the League of Ireland Premier Division, scoring twice and setting up a third in 12 games, but struggled with injuries on his return to Edinburgh.

Hauge recovered to feature sporadically for the development side and was involved as Hibs won the SPFL Reserve League title with an unbeaten campaign. His time in the Capital looked to be all but over after he wasn’t included in the pre-season trip to Spain and played no part in the development side’s first two friendly matches against Dunbar United and Berwick Rangers.

Runar Hauge is leaving Hibs to join FK Jerv in his homeland. Picture: Craig Foy/SNS Group

The attacker leaves Hibs having made three first-team appearances against Dundee, St Johnstone, and League One side Falkirk in the League Cup group stages last summer. Manager Lee Johnson said of Hauge’s return to Norway: “This move allows Runar to play regular football in his homeland. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Meanwhile, former Hibs development-squad player Josh McCulloch has signed for League Two Clyde after leaving the Easter Road side as a free agent. The versatile right-back, who spent time on loan with Albion Rovers during the second half of last season, also featured in all five of Hibs’ UEFA Youth League matches against Molde, Nantes, and Borussia Dortmund, and was part of the squads that won the CAS Elite Under-18 League title in 2021/22, and the SPFL Reserve League last season.

The 19-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the Bully Wee. Manager Jim Duffy described McCulloch as having a ‘terrific attitude and real potential’, adding: “We feel he can be a really positive asset.”