Former Stockport County forward Nathan Lowe has completed a loan move to Hibernian after extending his contract with Stoke City.
The Potters opted to loan out the 20-year-old to both the Hatters and later Wycombe Wanderers last season, scoring seven times across 31 appearances in Greater Manchester and Buckinghamshire.
Potential Suitors Handed Blow
With competition still hot for starting positions at Stoke, Mark Robins’ side were weighing up the possibility of loaning Lowe out once more in the summer, with a report in May revealing that some League One sides were keen on his signature.
However, any of those potential destinations have been beaten to his signature, with the club revealing that he would head to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian after agreeing a new contract in Staffordshire.
The striker has agreed to a further year on his existing deal, and will now move to Easter Road as David Gray’s team aim to challenge in the UEFA Conference League.
Hibs are in dire need of finding a new talisman striker this summer after the mid-season sale of Keiron Bowie to Hellas Verona, having relied on Martin Boyle and youth prospect Owen Elding to see them through the campaign.
Speaking about his move to Scotland, Stoke Sporting Director Jonathan Walters said:
“Nathan has no doubt benefitted from the experiences he’s had in Leagues One and Two, and it speaks to his mature character that he wants to test himself in a new environment in Scotland.
“That he will also gain exposure to playing in European competition is something new and will only help his development.
“We will keep a close eye on his progression and wish him well during his time at Hibernian.”
Best Move For Lowe
After a leg injury derailed a solid loan spell at Stockport County followed by a stint at Wycombe largely aimed at rebuilding his fitness, Nathan Lowe is now embarking on his latest move away from Stoke City.
Despite a prospect of another move to a League One club, he has instead earned himself a brilliant chance at Hibernian, handing him some vital experience in European competition on top of the regular game time he can get in the Scottish Premiership.
At 20, he is seemingly going to play a pivotal role at Easter Road, affording him a chance to test himself against some top sides like Rangers and Celtic.
While his returns in League One were far from ideal, if he can strike the form he found during his first spell at Walsall in League Two, Hibs could have a dangerous forward in their lineup, which could propel them to another shot at European qualification.
