Falkirk have signed former Hibs youngster Ethan Laidlaw from English Premier League side Brentford FC for undisclosed terms, subject to international clearance and SFA approval.
The 21-year-old forward joins The Bairns having signed an initial two-year deal with an option for a further year.
A Scotland International at various age groups, Laidlaw is a versatile attacker who can play out wide or through the middle.
He began his career with Hibs at the age of eight and would remain a part of their youth setup until 2023 when he opted for a move south of the border.
He gained valuable experience during his time at the Easter Road side, making appearances in the UEFA Youth League along the way as well as representing the national team at youth levels.
He continued to show promising signs following his move to Brentford and was named their U21s Players’ Player of the Year for the 2025/26 campaign after a stellar season in which he contributed 15 goals and 10 assists for the B-team.
Falkirk boss John McGlynn told the club website: “With regard to the signing of Ethan Laidlaw, we’re delighted to bring him to the club. Ethan is someone who is well known to both myself and Paul. His dad, Stevie, played under Paul at Berwick and was a very good striker.
“Ethan came through the youth system at Hibernian before joining Brentford two years ago. For much of his time there, he featured as a striker for Brentford B, although this season he has also played out wide as well as through the middle.
“He has had a very promising season. His direct running, power and strength, combined with his ability to get into the right positions and score goals, are qualities that really attracted us to him.
“At 21, Ethan joins us as we continue to build the right balance within the squad. We need experience, but we also need youthfulness, energy, and players who can continue to develop.
Laidlaw added: “I’m really delighted to sign for Falkirk. It’s a club I’ve admired a lot over the past couple of years, particularly the manager and the way he wants the team to play.
“Everything happened really quickly once I heard about the interest, and I just felt it was a really good place to come and play my football. As a young Scottish player, it feels like the perfect club to continue my career and development, so I’m over the moon to get the deal done.”
Speaking on Laidlaw’s move to Falkirk, Brentford B head coach Sam Saunders said it was the right time for the 21-year-old to move on and challenge himself in a men’s first-team environment.
“It’s a good opportunity and a good time for Ethan to go and test himself in men’s football after he proved himself capable in the PDL,” he said.
“He was one of our strongest performers throughout the whole season, won the Players’ Player of the Year, so it’s the right time now to go and try the next step.
“He’s been brilliant since he signed for the club, last season was without a doubt his standout season. Always coachable, always likeable and he’ll be missed next season, but we wish him all the best.”
