Key Points
- Hibernian FC completed the permanent signing of Croatian-Australian striker Ante Suto from Slaven Belupo following Kieron Bowie’s multi-million pound departure.
- Suto, 25, signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with an option to extend for a further year, terms of the transfer fee undisclosed.
- The deal adds strength to Hibs’ forward areas after Bowie’s exit, described as excellent by club officials.
- Hibs also signed German wing-back Felix Passlack from VfL Bochum on deadline day, contributing to six total arrivals in the window.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 6, 2026 – Hibernian FC have secured Croatian-Australian striker Ante Suto on a permanent deal from European club Slaven Belupo, bolstering their attack after offloading forward Kieron Bowie in a multi-million pound transfer.
Club officials hailed the move as an excellent addition to the squad, with Suto signing a two-and-a-half-year contract that includes an option for a further year. The 25-year-old arrives from the Croatian HNL outfit, where he has been plying his trade since 2024, having come through the Hajduk Split youth academy.
What details surround Hibs’ signing of Ante Suto?
According to Midlothian View, the permanent capture of Suto came just days after Bowie’s departure from Easter Road, addressing the need for extra depth in the forward line. Hibernian FC Head Coach David Gray expressed delight at the signing, stating it brings vital reinforcement to the attacking options.
As reported by Phil Bowen of Midlothian View, Hibernian FC Sporting Director Malky Mackay said: “With Bowie’s departure, it was important that we added extra strength and depth to our forward areas – Ante brings exactly that and is another excellent character to add to the building.”
How does this fit into Hibs’ busy transfer window?
The Suto deal formed part of a frantic deadline day, with Hibs wrapping up three new signings to reach a total of six arrivals before the window closed. This included English forward Dane Scarlett on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and German wing-back Felix Passlack from VfL Bochum for a reported €1.2 million fee, as confirmed by OneFootball and the club’s official channels.
What other moves shaped the window?
Earlier activity saw Scarlett become Hibs’ third addition, praised by Gray for his pace and goal threat, while Mackay thanked Tottenham for their cooperation. Passlack’s long-term contract was another key coup, with Mackay noting the player’s experience had long been on the club’s radar.
What are the implications for Hibs moving forward?
These reinforcements position Hibernian FC with enhanced squad depth across forward and wing-back positions, crucial for the remainder of the season. The deals reflect strategic recruitment amid outgoing transfers like Bowie to Verona, potentially worth £6 million.
Fans and officials alike anticipate strong contributions from the new arrivals, with gallery images already showcasing the deadline day signings on the Hibernian FC website.
