“He’s one we’ve been keen on for a long time and it’s a real coup to get him over the line.”
Daryl Horgan has completed a transfer from Preston North End to Hibernian. Horgan has joined the Scottish club on a three-year deal, for an undisclosed fee, and could be part of their squad for Sunday’s match away to St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
The transfer was announced on Saturday morning. Hibernian boss Neil Lennon praised the Republic of Ireland winger, saying that he had been keen on signing him for some time.
“We are very pleased to welcome Daryl to the club,” Lennon told the club’s official website.
“He’s one we’ve been keen on for a long time and it’s a real coup to get him over the line. Daryl will give us a real threat going forward and some strength out wide – we had been looking to add in that area and I’m delighted with the options we now have. He has power and pace and will hopefully give us another dimension to our play in the final third.”
Horgan joined Preston from Dundalk in January 2017 after an excellent spell with the Lilywhites. The Galwegian winger helped Stephen Kenny’s side win three league titles in a row and reach the group stages of the Europa League.
Horgan made 20 appearances in his first season with Preston, scoring two goals. However, he found himself out of favour when Alex Neil became manager after Simon Grayson left for Sunderland last summer. The 26-year-old played just eight times last season.
“I am delighted to have made the move to Hibs,” Horgan said upon completing his transfer.
“I’ve spoken to the manager and am excited for his plans for the season ahead. Obviously, the boys have started well in Europe and the league – they had a good season last year and the ambition is there to follow that up with another successful year. I’m ready to play and looking forward to trying to break into the team.”
Horgan has been part of several Ireland squads and has made two appearances for the senior team. He will hope his move north will give him a chance of featuring in Martin O’Neill’s squads for the Uefa Nations League games in the autumn.
✍️ BREAKING: #pnefc have agreed the transfer of winger Daryl Horgan on a permanent deal to Scottish Premier League side @HibsOfficial.
➡️ https://t.co/baleCthoaW pic.twitter.com/FTAn9sWL6Y
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) August 11, 2018
