Mykola Kukharevych joins Hibs on loan as Lee Johnson adds Ukrainian striker to his squad

Hibs have bolstered their attacking ranks with the capture of Ukrainian striker Mykola Kukharevych, who joins on loan from French side Troyes.

The 6ft 4in striker has been capped 12 times at under-21 level for his country, scoring three goals in victories against Malta and Northern Ireland.

Hibs require international clearance and work permit approval for Kukharevych but are hopeful of completing that sooner rather than later.

Born in Udrytsk, Kukharevych began his career with Volyn Lutsk, before joining Rukh Lviv in 2020, helping them to promotion to the Ukrainian Premier League after the side finished runners-up in the country’s second tier.

A proposed move to Anderlecht in January 2021 didn’t come to fruition and the 21-year-old instead joined Ligue 1 side Troyes, who are part of the City Football Group.

Kukharevych has been at Jupiler Pro League side OH Leuven since August last year and has made four appearances so far this term, 11 in total.

He has also made two appearances for Troyes, featuring off the bench in a 2-1 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain, and a 1-1 draw with Strasbourg, and was an unused sub for two further matches against Monaco and Clermont Foot.

Manager Lee Johnson said: “We’re really happy to welcome Mykola Kukharevych to Hibernian FC for the upcoming campaign.

Mykola Kukharevych in action for OH Leuven during a Jupiler Pro League clash with Royal Antwerp

“He’s a young striker who has gained minutes at a high level, and we believe he has all the attributes to be a real success in the Scottish game.

“Mykola is a different profile to the other strikers we have in the building, and we look forward to working with him.”