A former Hibs loanee who played one game for the club has been sold for a reported £3m and will play his football in the English Premier League next season.
In 2021 Nathan Wood joined Hibernian on a loan deal from Middlesbrough.
The England youth international’s loan was due to run until the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
At that time head coach Jack Ross said: “We’re delighted to bring a young player of Nathan’s quality in on loan.
“It’s been no secret that we wanted to strengthen our defensive area and he will certainly do that; he’s a really good player with a big future ahead of him.
“He will join up with the group after his international duty with England’s youth set up and we’re looking forward to working with him.”
The highly-regarded young defender came through Boro’s academy and became the club’s youngest-ever player at the tender age of 16 years and 72 days.
He came on as a substitute in the EFL Cup against Notts County in August 2018.
He also represented England at U15, U16, U17 and U18 level.
After joining the club, Wood said: “I’m buzzing to be here, it’s a big club, and I’m really excited to get going.
“I was speaking with the manager and from the first five or 10 minutes, I got a good feeling straight away about the plans, the squad, the facilities and the fans.
“My gut told me that this was the right move for me, and I wanted to get it done.
“It’s something out of my comfort zone, but that’s what excited me about it. I see it as a real challenge.”
Wood’s only game came in a 3-0 defeat to Dundee United at Easter Road in October 2021.
He almost made a scoring debut but headed a Jake Doyle-Hayes cross wide.
The following month Wood has returned to Middlesbrough for the remainder of his loan period and was formally recalled at the beginning of the January transfer window.
The decision was made with his development in mind.
The following summer he signed for Swansea from Middlesbrough for a reported £500k and made 72 appearances for the Swans.
In the summer of 2023 the Swans reportedly turned down a £10m offer from Southampton.
Yesterday he finally completed the move to the newly promoted Saints for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £3m.
Wood said: “A Premier League club that was in the Championship last season, and to get straight back into the Prem is a big thing. I’m very happy to be here.
“It’s always been an attractive club. Obviously the style of football is a big thing, the coaching is a big thing, and it’s a step up in leagues for me as well.
“It’s a no-brainer really when you put all those things together. It’s quite an easy decision to make.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
