Elie Youan: Hibs sign striker permanently from St Gallen on three-year deal
- Published
Elie Youan (right) adopted his usual sleeping celebration when scoring in Saturday's win over St Mirren
Hibernian have the Gordon family to thank after agreeing a three-year contract with Elie Youan, according to manager Lee Johnson.
Hibs triggered their option to sign the on-loan French forward permanently from St Gallen for an undisclosed fee.
Johnson says the fee was in the high "six figures" bracket and he hopes Youan's value increases over the next few years.
"It's a considerable investment for a club like Hibs," Johnson said.
"Well into six figures and not quite seven, but well into the sixes."
Youan came through the youth ranks with local club Nantes before being loaned to St Gallen in 2020, with the Swiss Super League club exercising their option to buy in May 2021.
He played 53 times and scored 12 goals for St Gallen but was loaned to Belgian side Mechelen in January 2022 - then Hibs six months later.
The Edinburgh club point out that, in addition to his goals, Youan's seven Premiership assists make him the top creator outside of Celtic and Rangers this season.
Johnson also said left-back Lewis Stevenson deserved his new contract after showing some terrific performances in recent weeks.
The 35-year-old is the longest-serving player at Easter Road and made his debut back in 2005 in a League Cup match against Ayr United.
Stevenson, though, has no plans to go into management whenever he decides to hang up his boots.
"No - straightest answer I can give," the Scotland international said. "Maybe an under-12s team, but that's as high up as I will go. Coaching maybe.
"I have been doing my badges over the last few years and I have enjoyed that, but being the main man, that's not really for me.
"Coaching and, especially kids, I want to get involved in. If there are ways I can help and improve people and pass down some of the things I have been taught."
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