Hibernian have completed the signing of Junior Hoilett on a one-year deal. The Canadian internationalist has experience of the Scottish Premiership having spent time last season with Aberdeen, and is head coach David Gray's sixth signing of the summer after Joe Bursik, Marvin Ekpiteta, Mykola Kukharevych, Warren O'Hora, and Jordan Smith. 

Hoilett, who has played in Major League Soccer (MLS), the 2.Bundesliga in Germany, and the English Premier League, has made more than 500 appearances in his career and has been capped 63 times by Canada, including appearances at the 2022 World Cup and Gold Cup, with 16 goals. 

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The 34-year-old was attached to Brampton YSC, CS Azzurri, and Oakville SC as a youngster before joining Blackburn Rovers in 2003. He remained at Ewood Park until 2012, featuring 92 times and enjoying loan stints with SC Paderborn and FC St. Pauli in Germany. 

Spells followed with Queens Park Rangers, Cardiff City, and Reading before a brief return to Canada with Vancouver Whitecaps before he joined up with the Dons earlier this year under Neil Warnock, and finished the 2023/24 campaign with 11 goal contributions in 15 appearances.

Welcoming the arrival of Hoilett, Gray said. “Junior is someone who has been on our radar, especially after his positive end to the season with Aberdeen.
 
“Throughout his career, he’s played at a very high level and adapted well to Scottish football last season. He adds extra options and quality to the final third, alongside leadership and experience to the dressing room. We look forward to working with him.”
 
Sporting director Malky Mackay added: “We’re really pleased to bring someone of Junior’s calibre, personality and ability to the club. We’ve been working hard to strengthen our attacking options, and Junior gives David extra flexibility in those areas.
 
“Not only will Junior help add quality to the group, but he will also be able to share his experience and help support the talented young forwards in the squad. Finally, he is a great character, a top professional and another good person to have around the building and in the dressing room.”

Speaking to HibsTV Hoilett said: "I am delighted to be here, I can’t wait to get started – I'm really looking forward to meeting the group and getting familiar with everyone.

“I was a bit devastated that I picked up an injury just before the Copa América started in the summer. That was unfortunate but I stayed positive through the whole situation, I had a good conversation with the gaffer here and Craig Samson [goalkeeping coach]. 

“They kept in contact throughout, so it was good to hear their ideas on what they want to achieve this season and I wanted to be a part of that plan. I am delighted to get the deal done – I can’t wait to get the ball rolling and get back out there.

“I got a good taste of Scottish football at Aberdeen. The fans are passionate, and football is like a religion up here. I can’t wait to meet the fans; I am here to help the team progress and make sure we achieve our goals this season.  

“Not only that, hopefully I can help the young players here to develop and achieve their potential as well. The fanbase here is big, it is a big club and I can’t wait to pull on the jersey at Easter Road."

Hibs remain keen to add further reinforcements to Gray's squad, and are hopeful of securing the signing of Fulham forward Kieron Bowie on a permanent deal. The Easter Road side have also had a bid for Dundee captain Luke McCowan rejected by Dens Park chiefs while  there is interest in Wolves midfielder Joe Hodge, who has spent time training with Hibs.