Hibs transfer news - Easter Road stalwart joins SPFL rivals after 'game time' concern leads to exit
Experienced campaigner hailed as ‘brilliant servant’ to club
Chris Cadden has joined Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee, Hibs have confirmed. And Hibs boss David Gray has hailed a “brilliant servant” for five solid years at Easter Road.
The club confirmed the move just moments ago, a statement declaring: “Since joining from Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew in 2021, the defender has enjoyed a successful five-and-a-half years at Easter Road, during which he made 166 appearances for the Hibees.
Dons the new destination for Cadden
“During his time with the Club, Cadden made a significant contribution across some of the successful moments in our recent history, having helped us to third-place William Hill Premiership finishes in 2020/21 and 2024/25 respectively, the Scottish Cup and League Cup finals, and was part of our memorable European run in 2025/26, scoring the winning goal against FK Partizan at Easter Road.
“A popular player and character in the changing room, Cadden now heads to Pittodrie with the very best wishes of everyone at the Football Club for both his service to the Club and for his future career.”
Gray said: “Cadds has been a brilliant servant to this Club for a number of years. The energy, consistency, professionalism and the way he has conducted himself every day has helped set the standard for new players and young lads coming through.
“Unfortunately we couldn’t offer him as much game time as he would’ve liked here, and at this stage of his career - we understand that he wants to maximise his playing opportunities. He leaves with the very best wishes from all the coaching staff, players and everyone associated with the Club.”
Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay added: “I would like to wish Chris and his family all the very best with the next step of his career. He is a person who I have known for a very long time, and he is a model professional with a fantastic attitude. He is a great example to all the young players, and he will always be welcome back at Easter Road.”
Dons boss Stephen Robinson said: "Chris is a brilliant addition to our group, not just because of what he'll bring on the pitch, but because of the character and professionalism he'll add to the dressing room. With extensive Scottish Premiership experience, as well as spells in MLS and the EFL and caps for Scotland, he brings real depth and know-how to the squad.
"He has a great engine, always shows a willingness to get forward and support the attack, but he's also matured into a really dependable full-back defensively. I know him very well and I'm excited to work with him again. He was incredibly keen to make this move happen, and that tells you a lot about his hunger and his desire to be part of what we're building here. Every successful squad needs the right balance. Alongside the exciting young players, experienced senior boys and international talent we have at the Club, Chris is someone who understands this league inside out and knows exactly what's required to compete every single week.
Cadden added on the move: “Having worked with the manager before I know the scale of his ambition and what he is looking to achieve. His passion and vision for the team were clear, and it was something I really wanted to be part of.”