Junior Hoilett Leaves Hibs For Swindon In World Cup Bid

Junior Hoilett, the seasoned Canadian international, is on the move once again—this time trading Hibernian green for the red of Swindon Town, all in a last-ditch bid to keep his World Cup dream alive. The 35-year-old attacker, whose career has spanned the English Premier League, Major League Soccer, and the Scottish Premiership, finalized his transfer to Swindon Town on February 2, 2026, after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Hibs. The move, completed in the frantic hours before the transfer window slammed shut, comes as Hoilett seeks more regular playing time ahead of a historic summer: the World Cup, co-hosted by his native Canada, is just months away.

For Hoilett, this isn’t just any World Cup. One of the group stage matches will be played a mere half-hour from his hometown in southern Ontario, making the prospect of representing Canada on home soil all the more tantalizing. After a successful 2024-25 campaign at Easter Road, where he was praised both for his performances and his leadership, Hoilett signed a second one-year deal with Hibs last summer. Yet, the current season has proved challenging—he’s started only four matches in the Scottish Premiership, with ten more appearances coming off the bench, notching three goals and one assist in that span.

“Junior has been an incredible professional, a real leader and role model for everyone, both on and off the pitch. I would like to thank him for his time here at Hibs. He has been a privilege to coach and work with every day, and I wish him all the very best for the future and the next step in his career,” said Hibs head coach David Gray, in a heartfelt statement released after the transfer was confirmed. The club made it clear that Hoilett’s departure was driven by his desire to play a more prominent role elsewhere, as he looks to secure a place in Jesse Marsch’s Canadian squad for the biggest tournament of his career.

Hoilett’s relationship with the Canadian national team has been a defining feature of his career. With nearly 68 caps and more than a decade of international service, he’s been a mainstay for the Reds. According to multiple sources, Hoilett has been in regular contact with Marsch, the former Leeds United boss now tasked with guiding Canada through their home World Cup. The message from Marsch and his staff was clear: to have the best shot at making the final squad, Hoilett needed more minutes on the pitch. And with competition fierce and his role at Hibs diminishing, the veteran winger decided it was time to seek new pastures.

Swindon Town, currently competing in England’s EFL League Two, have been busy in the transfer market, adding attacking reinforcements to bolster their promotion push. Alongside Hoilett, James Scanlon and Jake Batty joined on the final day of the window, giving manager Ian Holloway a wealth of options up front. Hoilett, who previously played under Holloway at Queens Park Rangers, brings not just experience but a creative spark—he ranks in the top 20 percent of wingers this season for big chances created and successful cross percentage per 90 minutes, according to statistical analysis.

“I’m really excited to be joining Swindon Town. The club has a clear ambition, and I’m looking forward to contributing on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to get started, meet the lads, and play in front of the fans at the County Ground,” Hoilett said after putting pen to paper. His versatility—capable of playing from the left or as a creative midfielder—should add a new dimension to Swindon’s attack as they chase promotion.

Hoilett’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. After a long spell in England with the likes of Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers, and Cardiff City, he enjoyed a stint with Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS before returning to the UK. He first arrived in Scotland with Aberdeen in January 2024, then made the switch to Hibernian shortly after David Gray’s appointment as head coach. In total, Hoilett made 53 appearances and scored seven goals for Hibs, quickly becoming a respected figure in the dressing room. His influence was particularly noted alongside fellow veteran Dwight Gayle, with both players credited for guiding younger teammates during a transitional period for the club.

Yet, as the 2025-26 season unfolded, Hoilett found himself increasingly on the fringes. With Hibs bringing in new faces—Ante Suto among them—and other departures like Dylan Levitt making headlines, the competition for places intensified. Hoilett’s ambition never wavered, though. The World Cup was a stated goal from the moment he joined Hibs, and it remained his driving force as opportunities dwindled. For a player of his pedigree, missing out on a tournament hosted in his homeland was simply not an option.

Swindon Town, for their part, see Hoilett as a crucial piece in their late-season puzzle. Manager Ian Holloway has been searching for a player who can tip the balance when chasing games, and Hoilett’s trickery and vision fit the bill perfectly. He’ll join a forward line that already includes Aaron Drinan, Ollie Palmer, Michael Olakigbe, Fletcher Holman, Billy Bodin, Darren Oldaker, and James Scanlon, giving Swindon a blend of youth and experience as they look to climb the League Two table.

For Hoilett, the move represents both a professional challenge and a personal mission. He’s featured in only one of Canada’s last five matches, making regular club football essential if he’s to convince Marsch and his staff that he deserves a spot on the World Cup roster. The stakes could hardly be higher—not just for Hoilett, but for the entire Canadian soccer community, which is eager to see one of its most loyal servants take the field on home soil.

As Swindon Town fans await Hoilett’s debut, there’s a sense of anticipation around the County Ground. Can the veteran winger rediscover his best form and lead both club and country to new heights? The coming months will provide the answer. For now, Hoilett’s journey continues—a testament to persistence, professionalism, and the enduring pull of the beautiful game.

With the World Cup looming and a new chapter underway at Swindon, all eyes are on Hoilett as he seeks to write a fitting finale to a remarkable career. The next steps may be uncertain, but one thing’s for sure: Junior Hoilett isn’t done dreaming yet.