Hibs have confirmed the departure of Scotland international Ryan Porteous to Watford for a 'significant six-figure sum' with just four days left in the January transfer window.
Porteous, who joined Hibs' youth academy aged 11, slipped into the first-team picture at the start of the 2018-19 season, and has since made 120 Scottish Premiership appearances for the Leith-based outfit, scoring 11 goals in the process. Becoming one of Scotland's best young defenders alongside the likes of Nathan Patterson and Aaron Hickey, it became apparent over the World Cup break that the Edinburgh-born star was to leave Hibs with his contract expiring at the end of the season - with the club forced to take a cut-price fee for his services in the current window in order to reinvest.
After links to clubs such as Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and more, it has been Championship side Watford who have won the race for the one-time Scotland cap, in a fee which Record Sport understands to be in the region of £600,000 and a sell-on clause. Hornets boss Slaven Bilic confirmed earlier on Friday that the deal taking Porteous to Vicarage Road had been completed, and that has now become a formality with the Hibee set to depart for pastures new with promotion to the Premier League the target in Hertfordshire.
A club statement read: "We can confirm that Ryan Porteous has joined English Championship side Watford on a permanent deal. The Club has received a significant six-figure deal for the defender and has a sell-on clause.
"A product of the Hibs Academy, ‘Porto’ has been at the Club for over a decade and made his debut in 2017 in the League Cup group stages against Montrose. The defender was in and around the First Team squad for the following few campaigns before stamping his authority on a regular spot during the 2020/21 campaign as we finished third and reached the Scottish Cup final.
"Last season he helped the Club reach the League Cup final and ended the campaign being named Hibs’ Young Player of the Season. He also earned his first cap for Scotland last season and put in a man of the match performance in the UEFA Nations League game against Ukraine.
"Known for giving his all in the Hibs shirt and his passion for the Club, ‘Porto’ went on to make 157 appearances for the Club and scored 13 goals."
Hibs' Chief Executive Ben Kensell further commented, stating: “Ryan has been a fantastic servant for the Club and has been brilliant to deal with over the last few months. When it became clear he wanted to explore his options, we have worked hard to get the best deal for us, but also kept an eye on what is the best move for Ryan to propel his career. We’d like to wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his commitment and professionalism.”
And under-fire boss Lee Johnson also gave his defender a farewell, adding: “Porto is a great example of how players from our excellent Academy can progress into the First Team and make a real difference. He has a strong will to win, and we will miss him. I have no doubt that he will go on and have a really successful career. We wish him all the best at Watford.”
READ NEXT:
