Hibernian have officially agreed a deal to sign Colton Swan from Charleston Battery on a permanent transfer.
The 19-year-old United States youth international will remain with Charleston for the remainder of the 2026 USL Championship season and playoffs before moving to Edinburgh ahead of the January transfer window.
The agreement is subject to international clearance and a work permit.
From transfer link to confirmed move
The announcement confirms the move just over a week after SkyrScout reported that Swan had been named as a Hibernian signing target.
Charleston Battery will receive a six-figure transfer fee and retain a sell-on clause as part of the agreement.
Swan only signed his first professional contract with Charleston in January 2026, but has quickly established himself as one of the leading young forwards in the USL Championship.
Hibernian credit him with 11 goals and three assists during his first professional season, while Charleston describe him as their leading goalscorer in the current campaign.
Hibs see a striker suited to Scottish football
Hibernian head coach David Gray highlighted several of the same qualities that have stood out in Swan’s performances in the United States.
Gray described him as quick, direct and extremely hard-working, while also stressing his desire to develop and improve.
Sporting director Malky Mackay similarly described Swan as an exciting and hungry young striker, with Hibernian viewing Easter Road as an environment where he can continue his development over the longer term.
The move represents a rapid progression for Swan.
He spent the 2025 college season at Indiana University before signing with Charleston at the start of this year. Prior to college, he developed with the Colorado Rapids Academy and played for Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.
He has also continued to progress internationally, representing the United States at youth level during 2026.
A significant next step
SkyrScout published its scouting report on Swan on August 8, highlighting his combination of size, genuine pace, well-timed movement in behind and efficient finishing.
The report also noted his ability to attack crosses, finish quickly with limited touches and contribute with both feet, as well as his capacity to drop deeper and release runners with well-weighted passes.
At the time, Swan was still in the opening months of his first professional season.
Just over two weeks later, his next move is now officially agreed.
He will finish the current campaign with Charleston before taking the next step into the Scottish Premiership with Hibernian.