Hibs explain star's transfer deadline day exit to rival after 'seek more game time elsewhere' request
Former academy kid to spend final year of Easter Road contract with Saints
Hibs boss David Gray has explained the reasoning behind sending long-serving talent Josh Campbell to SPFL rivals St Johnstone on a season-long loan. The 26-year-old graduate of the Hibernian academy system is entering the final year of his contract with the Easter Road outfit – and may well have played his last game for the club.
Campell, a scorer – and a starter - in this season’s historic win over Rangers at Ibrox, will spend the rest of the 2026-27 campaign with Simo Valakari’s side.
Midfielder scored opener at Ibrox
Gray revealed that the player himself had pushed for a move away from Easter Road, with a lack of game time – a situation not likely to improve any time soon, given the backlog of bodies in midfield – cited as a reason, the gaffer insisting: “I would like to wish Josh the very best with this loan move. I have known Josh for a very long time and watched him grow up and develop as a player over the years.
“During that time he has scored some big goals for us and provided some big moments over the years. Ultimately, he expressed his desire to go and seek more game time elsewhere, and this is an opportunity for him to go and do that.”
Opportunity to play ‘regular football’ - Mackay
Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay added: “Josh has been an important part of Hibernian for a number of years, and this is a good opportunity for him to go and play regular football.
“He has plenty of experience at this level, and we believe this loan will benefit Josh with the next step in his career. We wish him every success for the future.”
Campbell has racked up 184 appearances for Hibs, playing in a number of different positions and scoring 23 goals – including finding the net against both Old Firm clubs and local rivals Hearts. Despite enjoying an early purple patch following the appointment of Gray as manager, however, he’s found it more difficult to nail down a regular starting spot for his boyhood heroes.
With Jamie McGrath and Callum Wright among those vying for a place in attacking midfield, and Jacob Devaney’s arrival on loan from Manchester United last week adding to the talent pile in the middle of the park, the popular all-rounder spoke to Gray about his prospects before being given permission to explore options elsewhere.
A St Johnstone statement adds: “We are delighted to announce the loan signing of Hibernian midfielder Josh Campbell. The 26-year-old joins the Saints until the end of the 2026/27 William Hill Premiership season. Josh, who will meet up with his new team-mates on Friday, worked his way through the capital club’s academy before making his first team competitive debut during the 2019/20 Betfred Cup campaign. He has since made more than 120 appearances in the Scottish Premiership.”