Kieron Bowie targets Scotland World Cup call-up after sealing stunning £6million dream move to Serie A

Kieron Bowie insists his £6million dream move from Hibs to Serie A side Hellas Verona can help him secure a place in Scotland’s World Cup squad this summer.

The 23-year-old striker flew to Italy yesterday morning before undergoing a medical and signing a four-and-a-half year contract with the club.

Bowie, who moved to Easter Road from Fulham for £600,000 in 2024, becomes Hibs’ all-time record sale. The reported fee eclipses the £4.4m they received from Celtic for Scott Brown 19 years ago. 

The Edinburgh club have also secured a sell-on clause and add-ons which could see the total value of the deal rise in time.

Having followed fellow Scotland internationals Scott McTominay, Josh Doig, Che Adams and Lewis Ferguson to Italy, Bowie hopes playing well in one of Europe’s top leagues will catch Steve Clarke’s eye before he selects his squad for this summer’s global showpiece in North America and Mexico.

He told Sky Sports: ‘I’ve had 18 months at Hibs now. I’ve done extremely well there and they’ve done well for me, so I think for all parties it’s good.

The striker earned the move after netting nine goals in all competitions for Hibs this season

Bowie will go up against compatriots Lewis Ferguson and Scott McTominay in Italy’s top flight

‘Obviously Italy appeals. There’s a lot of people from Scotland that have gone there and done well.

‘This obviously opens up a lot of opportunities for myself and my family and stuff like that so that’s the main thing.

‘It’s a top league and everyone wants to do as best they can and, obviously, with a World Cup coming up, I’ve spoken about that a lot over the last couple of months and that’s the idea.’

Bowie’s first campaign at Hibs was hindered by injury problems but, after making his Scotland debut last June, he started this season strongly. He leaves the club with 15 goals to his name in 52 appearances.

Manager David Gray said: ‘Firstly, I would like to thank Kieron for the way he has conducted himself over the last 18 months. He has been a pleasure to coach and he has been fantastic to work with both on and off the pitch. 

‘This is a life-changing move for him and his family. He has a bright career ahead of him and we wish him every success moving forward.’

Sporting director Malky Mackay added: ‘I would like to wish Kieron all the best with his move. It has been a joy to watch him develop through his time at Hibs and see him progress through the international youth squads before making his first senior Scotland cap.

‘There has always been speculation over Kieron, with several clubs submitting bids over the course of the transfer window. 

The 23-year-old has his sights set on being part of Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad this year

‘We have worked hard to secure a deal that reflects his true value and one that is in the best interests of Hibernian Football Club and all parties involved.’

Last night Hibs went some way to softening the blow of Bowie’s departure by signing Tottenham forward Dane Scarlett on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 21-year-old’ Englishman’s move comes just days after he was sprung from the bench in Spurs’ Champions League victory away to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Scarlett became the club’s youngest-ever player in 2020 and has since accumulated 27 first-team appearances while also spending time on loan at Portsmouth, Ipswich and Oxford.

He is Hibernian’s third new recruit of the January transfer window after the arrival of 19-year-olds Kai Andrews, a midfielder who joined on loan from Coventry, and striker Owen Elding, who signed from Sligo Rovers.

Sporting director Mackay said: ‘Dane is a top young player with serious potential and is an exciting talent. We’re delighted he saw Hibs as the best place for the next step in his career, despite having plenty of offers in England and abroad.’