Ukrainian striker Mykola Kukharevych has returned to Hibernian on a season-long loan after a successful stint at Easter Road during the 2022/23 Scottish Premiership season.
The talented forward made a significant impact in his previous spell, netting five goals in 15 appearances before transferring to Swansea City from French side Troyes in July 2023.
After spending last season in the English Championship, the 23-year-old is set to strengthen Hibs' attacking options as the team gears up for the 2024/25 league campaign.
Hibs kick off the new season with a trip to face St Mirren on Sunday.
Head coach David Gray expressed his enthusiasm about Kukharevych's return: “First of all, we are excited to be able to bring a player of Myko’s calibre back to Hibs," he said.
"From working with him previously I know all about his strengths and how his all-round play will benefit the team this season.
“He will have no trouble slotting back in again; he understands the league well, knows the players in the dressing room and we are all excited to work with him again.”
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Sporting director Malky Mackay also shared his thoughts, adding: “Mykola is a player who David was keen to bring back to the football club, having worked with him previously.
“This is a deal that we have been working on for a while, so we are all pleased to get this one over the line and welcome Mykola back to Hibs. He will add extra quality in our final third and provide healthy competition for our forward players.”
The new Hibs frontman is raring to go and expressed his relief to be back in Leith.
“I’m so happy to be here," he said. "I had good memories from here and I’m ready to start again now. I was glad to hear that Hibs wanted me back and I thought it was a good possibility for me. I wanted to make this move happen as quickly as I could."
Kukharevych revealed he had spoken several times with Gray, who was first-team coach during his previous spell in the capital.
“We had good conversations. He was one of the main reasons why I came here. I know who he is, what he’s like as a person and as a professional. I wanted to work with him again," the striker explained.
“I need to play football regularly. I felt so happy here when I played before. I had a good connection with the fans and the team. Everything was great. I had those good memories, and I’d like to do that again.
“The fans are amazing. I got so many messages from them. They were another main reason why I came here. I can’t wait to meet them again in the stadium."
