Hibs have today announced that youngster Rory Whittaker has signed for English side Southampton.
The 18-year-old defender has joined the English Championship side for an undisclosed fee and has signed a 3-year-deal and will join the Saints U21 side.
Whittaker made his debut for the Hibees as a 16-year-old under former boss Nick Montgomery, and became the youngest ever player to play for the club, overtaking Jamie McCluskey's record in the process.
The right-back played 14 times for the club, before eventually falling out of the first team picture again.
Rory also had a short spell with Scottish league Two side Spartans.
Speaking to the official club website,
Hibernian FC Sporting Director, Malky Mackay, said:
“As always we have to make difficult decisions regarding our young players, taking into consideration their wishes, their development, their contractual status, and other details.
“There was a lot of interest in Rory from clubs down in England, and as he had a year left on his contract, we decided this was the right deal for Hibernian FC.
“Whilst the main aim for our Academy is to produce players for our own First Team, when a move like this comes up – it is difficult to deny a youngster that opportunity.
“We wish Rory all the best with him move, and thank him for all his hard work during his time at Hibernian FC.”
HIBERNIAN-MAD VIEW:
It's dissapointing to see another young talent head to England from the academy.
It's a new trend hitting Scottish clubs since BREXIT happened, that has forced clubs from south of the border to shop up here rather than abroad.
Rory had been out of the first team picture since the departure of Montgomery 18 months ago, but he was still only 18 and had more time to develop.
He aquitted himself well when he got the chance and can hold his head high.
Good luck with Southampton Rory, go smash it!
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