Hibs player seals loan transfer exit as he grabs 'excellent opportunity' at club eyeing him since the summer
He’s moved out of Hibs on a temporary basis for senior experience.
Hibs have confirmed a loan exit for an upcoming talent, as he joins League Two side Stranraer for the rest of the season.
Dean Cleland has left the Premiership outfit on a temporary basis for Stair Park, where manager Chris Aitken has the team fourth in League Two. The forward had a brief loan spell at that level with East Kilbride earlier this season where he made his professional debut in senior football but now heads back out for more exposure.
Cleland netted an excellent 38 times for Hibs’ U18s team last season in competitive matches as Darren McGregor’s side lifted the CAS Elite Youth League title. He has played a key role in the club’s UEFA Youth League campaign and scored against Dynamo Kyiv at Easter Road. The teenager was in the Netherlands with David Gray's senior squad for pre-season training and started against MSV Duisburg in the first friendly match of this season. He will combine duties with Stranraer alongside training with the first team and academy side at Hibs.
What player has left Hibs on loan?
Academy Director Gareth Evans said: "This is an excellent opportunity for Dean to continue his promising development by gaining more experience playing competitive football in the professional leagues. Dean has continued to impress within our academy set-up, both domestically and in European competition, this season, and has been involved with first team training.
“A spell in League Two will allow him to gain regular minutes and build on that progress. We will monitor his development closely during his time at Stranraer and wish him the best of luck during his time there."
Ahead of their weekend clash with Edinburgh City, Stranraer’s statement reads: “We are delighted to welcome 2024/25 Hibernian Academy Player of the Year Dean Cleland on loan until the end of the season.
Who is Dean Cleland?
“Cleland netted 38 goals in all competitions for Hibs’ Under 18 side last season, playing a key role in their CAS Elite Youth League title success. The teenager was called up to the Scotland Under 19 training camp in June, and most recently scored a wonder goal against Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Youth League.
“Having been monitored by Chris Aitken and his staff since the summer, the 18 year old goes straight into the squad for the home meeting with Edinburgh City.”
For Gray and co at top flight level, they face a trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday. The mood is high in Leith after wins against Aberdeen and Hearts over the last week and objectives now sit on three more points at Rugby Park. Hibs go into the game fifth in the table and firmly in the conversation for European places, having finished third last season.