Chris Cadden has signed for Hibs following a spell over in America with Columbus Crew, penning a two-and-a-half year deal.
The Black and Gold won the MLS Cup last season but Cadden featured sparingly, playing 10 times. He now becomes Jack Ross’ third signing of the January transfer window, signing a deal at Hibs.
Cadden has signed for Hibs. (Photo by Andrew Bershaw/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Cadden has explained his move to the Hibees: “I’m really looking forward to getting started and I’ve been excited since I first heard about the club’s interest in me.
“I know most of the boys in the squad and I’ve had some great conversations with the gaffer and the staff about where they want to take Hibs.
“Wherever I’m asked to play, I just want to contribute to a team that’s challenging for trophies and competing for a European place.”
Looking to get started. (Photo by Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Cadden is a product of the Motherwell academy, where he went on to make 139 appearances, including two domestic cup finals. He made a move to Columbus Crew in 2019, but it wasn’t without controversy. He joined the American team as a free agent but was immediately sent on loan to League One outfit Oxford United.
Oxford had wanted to sign Cadden permanently but were unwilling to spend the £320,000 required for his cross-border development fee. There wasn’t an official agreement with the MLS forcing them to pay development fees for players from abroad.
Now Cadden is back in Scotland and Ross is delighted to have him on board: “I am delighted to strengthen the squad in terms of numbers again because I think we needed to do so. Profile-wise, bringing in some who is still quite young with previous international recognition can help us get to where we want to be.
Ross is delighted with the arrival. (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“He had other alternatives to consider but he decided to come away from Columbus Crew and the MLS. One of the selling points for us is to propel him back into plans at international level. From his point of view, to put him back in people’s thoughts in Scotland was an attraction.”
Lewis Stevenson, who recently hit 500 appearances for Hibs, is looking forward to working with Cadden again: “It’s always nice to get a few nice faces in training as it always adds a bit of a buzz.
“I know Cadden from our Scotland trip together. He’s a great guy with great attributes and perhaps a player we have been needing. I have played against him a few times when he has been right-wing-back (at Motherwell), we have had some good battles.”