Hibs sanction loan transfer exits for duo as pair snap up 'great opportunity' away from Easter Road
Hibs have explained the reasoning behind two loan transfer decisions.
Hibs duo Rudi Molotnikov and Jacob MacIntyre have joined Scottish Championship side Arbroath until January, the club have confirmed.
Molotnikov has made 27 appearances for the Hibees first team but last term at Premiership level was ravaged by injury. The playmaker now moves to the Gayfield side managed by David Gold and Colin Hamilton alongside MacIntyre, who spent most of last term at the Red Lichties.
He signed a new deal with Hibs in the summer after impressing at second tier level and returns to his former loan side to continue building senior minutes. Head coach David Gray insists it’s a pair of moves that benefit both Hibs, the academy graduates, and Arbroath.
Why have Hibs sent two players to Arbroath?
Gray said: “This is a great opportunity for both Jacob and Rudi to continue their development and gain more regular minutes in senior football. Jacob had a fantastic year at Arbroath and this will be another good opportunity for him to test himself in a league he knows well.
"This is exactly the type of challenge that Rudi needs. After a frustrating year last season due to injury - this will provide him with the perfect chance to get a good bank of games under his belt, which he will certainly benefit from. We are looking forward to following their progress closely over the next few months.”
A Hibs statement reads: “Hibernian FC can confirm that Jacob MacIntyre and Rudi Molotnikov have joined Arbroath FC on loan until January 2027. The pair will link up with David Gold and Colin Hamilton's side as they bid to continue their strong start to their 2026/27 William Hill Championship campaign.
Who has joined Arbroath on loan from Hibs?
“MacIntyre, who has been associated with Hibs since the age of six, has risen through the ranks to make his first-team debut in March 2024 and signed a new three-year contract this summer. The 20-year-old spent last season with the Red Lichties, where he made 36 appearances in total while scoring three goals and providing three assists across an impressive 2025/26 campaign.
“Jacob will be joined by fellow Academy Graduate Rudi Molotnikov, who made his 27th senior appearance for the Hibees in our William Hill Premiership opener against Motherwell in August earlier this season. Rudi (20) will also move to Gayfield Park for his second senior loan spell, having spent time on loan at Stirling Albion in 2024, as he aims to gain regular first-team football.”
Arbroath added: “Arbroath Football Club are pleased to announce the double signing of Jacob MacIntyre and Rudi Molotnikov from Hibernian. Both players join on loan from the Easter Road side, on short term deals until January. MacIntyre is no stranger to the Gayfield faithful having made 36 appearances on loan at Arbroath last season as we reached the playoffs. Attacking midfielder Molotnikov is another youngster highly thought of at Hibs. Rudi will wear the number 24 shirt with Jacob in 25 for Arbroath. Welcome to Gayfield, guys!”
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