In a surprising twist to the Scottish Premiership transfer saga, Hibernian are set to sign promising young midfielder Josh Mulligan, who was previously tipped to join Rangers. The 22-year-old, whose contract with Dundee expired this summer, is scheduled to undergo a medical with Hibernian on Thursday, June 26, 2025, before finalizing the move to Easter Road.
Mulligan has been a standout figure at Dundee, making 36 appearances in the Scottish Premiership last season and establishing himself as a versatile player capable of operating as a right-back, wing-back, or centre midfielder. His performances have attracted attention from several clubs, including Rangers and English Championship sides Hull City and Charlton Athletic.
Initially, Rangers were seen as the frontrunners to secure Mulligan’s signature. The Glasgow giants had reportedly held talks with him following the conclusion of last season, monitoring his progress closely since the previous year. Given Mulligan’s strong physical profile and Scottish Premiership experience, many expected him to follow in the footsteps of other young talents moving to Ibrox.
However, as transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on social media, Hibernian have swooped in to secure the deal. Romano tweeted, “Understand Hibernian have agreed deal to sign Scottish talent Josh Mulligan from Dundee FC, here we go! Medical tomorrow.” This announcement signals a significant coup for Hibs, who have acted swiftly to bolster their squad ahead of a challenging European campaign.
Hibernian finished third in the Scottish Premiership last season, earning a spot in the Europa League qualifiers. Their upcoming two-legged tie against Danish side Midtjylland presents a stern test, and the addition of Mulligan is expected to strengthen manager David Gray’s squad depth. Gray’s plans to beef up the team for European competition appear well underway with this signing, as Mulligan’s versatility will provide valuable tactical options.
While Rangers had prioritized other midfield targets and perhaps viewed Mulligan more as a squad player than a starting option, Hibernian clearly saw greater potential and moved decisively. This move has raised eyebrows among Scottish football fans and media alike, with some questioning whether Rangers missed an opportunity to assert more dominance in the domestic transfer market. The fact that a player once strongly linked to Ibrox is now heading to a direct competitor adds an intriguing narrative to the summer transfer window.
Josh Mulligan’s journey from Dundee’s youth ranks to becoming a sought-after talent reflects his steady development over three seasons as a regular first-team player. His ability to adapt across multiple positions makes him a valuable asset in modern football, where tactical flexibility is prized. For Hibernian, securing Mulligan early in the summer allows the player to participate fully in pre-season preparations, ensuring he integrates smoothly into the squad.
The Scottish Premiership has seen considerable transfer activity this summer, with clubs eager to reinforce their squads ahead of the new season and European challenges. Hibernian’s capture of Mulligan, therefore, represents not just a smart piece of business but also a statement of intent. It signals their ambition to compete strongly both domestically and on the continental stage.
For Mulligan, the move to Hibernian offers an exciting platform to showcase his talents on a bigger stage, including the opportunity to play in European competition. It remains to be seen how quickly he will adapt to the demands of his new club and whether this transfer will prompt Rangers to revisit their recruitment strategies in future windows.
As the medical looms, all eyes will be on Easter Road to see how this deal unfolds. Should Mulligan pass the medical and complete the signing, Hibernian will have secured a versatile and dynamic midfielder capable of making an immediate impact. This development underlines the unpredictable nature of football transfers and how quickly fortunes can change in the competitive world of Scottish football.
In the broader context, this transfer highlights the ongoing battle for talent within the Scottish Premiership and the importance of timely, decisive action in the transfer market. Hibernian’s ability to outmaneuver Rangers for Mulligan’s signature could be a sign of shifting dynamics in the league, where emerging clubs are increasingly capable of challenging the traditional powerhouses.
With the new season fast approaching and European qualifiers on the horizon, Hibernian fans will be hopeful that Mulligan’s arrival marks the beginning of a successful campaign. The club’s recent consistent finishes near the top of the table demonstrate their growing stature, and adding a player of Mulligan’s calibre only strengthens their prospects.
For now, the situation remains in flux as the medical is set to take place. But one thing is clear: Josh Mulligan’s signing is a headline-grabbing development that adds fresh excitement to the Scottish Premiership’s summer transfer window and raises intriguing questions about the future battles on and off the pitch.
