Hibernian FC have confirmed the sale of striker Kieron Bowie to Italian Serie A side Hellas Verona for a club-record transfer fee reported to be £6 million, with potential add-ons taking the deal to £7 million. The 23-year-old Scotland international finalized the move on January 30, 2026, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi. This landmark deal eclipses the previous Hibs record sale of Scott Brown to Celtic (£4.4m) which had stood since 2007, and represents a massive profit on the £600,000 the Easter Road club paid to Fulham just 18 months ago.
The Record-Breaking Deal Explained
The transfer of Kieron Bowie is not just a standard player exit; it is a financial watershed moment for Hibernian. After weeks of speculation and an initial rejected bid of £4.5 million, Hellas Verona returned to the table with an offer the Edinburgh club simply could not refuse.
The Fee Breakdown
- Guaranteed Fee: £6 million paid in installments.
- Potential Add-ons: Performance-related bonuses (appearances, goals, Serie A survival) could push the total package to £7 million.
- Sell-On Clause: Hibs have reportedly inserted a 15-20% sell-on clause for any future sale, ensuring they continue to profit from Bowie’s rise.
- Raith Rovers’ Cut: Bowie’s boyhood club Raith Rovers are due a six-figure solidarity payment and sell-on percentage from his original move to Fulham, providing a significant boost to the Kirkcaldy side.
Shattering the Scott Brown Record
For 19 years, Scott Brown’s £4.4 million move to Celtic was the benchmark for Hibernian exports. Bowie’s £6 million fee shatters this record by over 35%. This inflation reflects both the modern transfer market and the high premium now placed on Scottish talent in Italy, following the successes of Lewis Ferguson, Aaron Hickey, and Josh Doig.
Why Hellas Verona Signed Kieron Bowie
Hellas Verona’s recruitment strategy has increasingly focused on the Scottish market, and Bowie fits their profile of physically robust, technically sound, and adaptable young players.
Tactical Fit for Serie A
Verona boss Marco Baroni (or current 2026 manager) identified Bowie as the ideal focal point for their attack.
- Physicality: At 6ft 2in, Bowie possesses the frame to hold up play against rugged Serie A defenses—a trait highly valued in Italian football where the “target man” role remains pivotal.
- Versatility: Bowie can play centrally or drift wide right, allowing Verona to switch between a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 system without changing personnel.
- Work Rate: His defensive stats at Hibs (pressing actions per 90) were among the highest for forwards in the Scottish Premiership, aligning with Verona’s high-energy pressing game.
The “Scottish Connection”
Verona has become an unlikely home for Scots. Following the successful stint of Josh Doig (2022-2024) and Liam Henderson, the club trusts the Scottish market to provide value. They view Bowie as a low-risk investment with high resale potential, similar to how Bologna developed Lewis Ferguson into a Serie A captain.
Kieron Bowie’s Hibs Legacy
Though his time in Leith was relatively short—just 18 months—Bowie leaves as a cult hero and a symbol of successful player trading.
2024-2026 Stats
- Appearances: 52
- Goals: 15
- Assists: 8
- Key Moment: His stoppage-time winner in the Edinburgh Derby against Hearts in October 2025 will be remembered as his defining moment in a green shirt.
Development Under David Gray
Head Coach David Gray praised Bowie’s professionalism, noting his recovery from a hamstring injury in late 2024 as a turning point. Bowie evolved from a raw talent into a refined finisher, earning his first senior Scotland caps in June 2025 and putting himself in contention for the 2026 World Cup squad.
Practical Information: Watching Bowie in Verona
For Hibs fans wishing to follow their former star to Italy, or “groundhoppers” planning a Serie A trip, here is the essential travel guide to Verona.
Hellas Verona Stadium Guide
- Stadium: Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi.
- Capacity: 31,045 (approx).
- Location: Piazzale Olimpia, Verona. It is about a 20-minute walk from the main train station, Verona Porta Nuova.
- Atmosphere: The “Curva Sud” is the home of the ultras. Expect flares, flags, and non-stop chanting. It is one of the most intense atmospheres in Italy.
Ticket Information
- Price: Tickets for standard matches range from €20 (Curva) to €60 (Poltronissime). Matches against giants like Juventus or Inter Milan will cost significantly more.
- Where to Buy: Tickets can be bought via the official Hellas Verona website or at Vivaticket outlets in the city. You will need your passport to purchase tickets due to Italian security laws.
Getting There
- Flights: Direct flights from Edinburgh to Verona are seasonal (summer). In winter (football season), the best route is Edinburgh to Milan Bergamo (BGY) or Venice Marco Polo (VCE), followed by a 1-hour train ride to Verona.
- Accommodation: Stay near Piazza Bra for tourism (Arena di Verona) or near the station for easy stadium access. Prices range from €80-€150 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the transfer fee for Kieron Bowie to Hellas Verona? The transfer fee was a club-record £6 million, with potential add-ons taking it to £7 million. This makes him the most expensive player ever sold by Hibernian.
Who did Kieron Bowie join from? He joined Hellas Verona from Hibernian FC. Before Hibs, he played for Fulham, Northampton Town (loan), and Raith Rovers.
Does Raith Rovers get money from the Kieron Bowie transfer? Yes. Raith Rovers are entitled to a sell-on fee (believed to be around 10-15% of the profit Hibs made) and FIFA solidarity payments, likely netting the Kirkcaldy club a six-figure sum.
Is Kieron Bowie in the Scotland squad? Yes, Bowie made his senior Scotland debut in June 2025 and is pushing for a place in Steve Clarke’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Who was the previous Hibs record sale? The previous record was Scott Brown, who was sold to Celtic for £4.4 million in 2007. Other high sales include Josh Doig (£3m+) and Kevin Nisbet (£2m+).
How long is Kieron Bowie’s contract at Verona? He has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2030.
Why are so many Scottish players going to Italy? Italian clubs value the physicality, tactical discipline, and relatively low cost of Scottish players. Success stories like Lewis Ferguson (Bologna) and Aaron Hickey (Bologna) have encouraged Serie A scouts to monitor the SPFL closely.
What position does Kieron Bowie play? Bowie is a versatile forward. He can play as a central striker (No. 9), a second striker, or an inverted winger on the right flank.
Will Hibs reinvest the money? Hibs Sporting Director Malky Mackay has confirmed that a “significant portion” of the fee will be available for David Gray to strengthen the squad, with targets already identified in the defensive midfield and striker positions.
When is Kieron Bowie’s debut for Verona? He is expected to be in the squad for Verona’s next Serie A fixture, likely in early February 2026, once his international clearance and work permit are finalized.
Did Fulham get a sell-on fee? Yes, Fulham reportedly held a significant sell-on clause when they sold Bowie to Hibs in 2024, meaning they will also receive a percentage of the £6m fee.
How many goals did Bowie score for Hibs? He scored 15 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions during his 18-month spell at Easter Road.
