Rangers and Celtic January target Kieron Bowie made his switch from Hibs to Hellas Verona because he wanted to try “something new”.
The Scotland international completed a £7.5m move to the Serie A side in the winter window after catching the eye at Easter Road.
Rangers, Celtic and Wolves all showed interest in signing him, but the 23 year old felt a move abroad was the better option. Bowie scored nine goals in all competitions for the Hibees this season before heading to northern Italy.
Moving from the SPFL Premiership to Serie A has become a more common route in recent years for players looking for a different experience.
Former Hibs left back Josh Doig made the same move from Leith to Verona in 2022 and played a big role in the striker’s decision. Scotland internationals Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson and Lennon Miller have also taken a similar route in recent years.
Kieron Bowie on why he snubbed Old Firm for Italy:
Doig, who has since moved on to Sassuolo, was a key influence in Bowie’s choice to try something different. The striker said the success of some of his Scotland teammates playing in Italy also influenced him. He told the Hibs Observer: “I think a few times, maybe something had been mentioned (Old Firm interest), but I didn’t want to stay in Scotland, or even in the UK. I wanted to try and do something a bit different, culturally, and experience something new.
“I spoke to Josh before I came, because he and I are quite close. When we spoke, he had nothing but good things to say about Verona as a city and as a club as well. I think that just made my mind up. Obviously there’s quite a few other Scottish boys that are here, and have done well for themselves. That was one of the main things: to come here, and to challenge myself to something different. I’ve seen other Scottish players doing well – I thought, that could be me too.”
How is Kieron Bowie faring at Hellas Verona?
The former Hibs forward scored the winner against Ferguson’s Bologna last month in a 2-1 away victory, but that remains the only game Verona have picked up three points in since he joined. Last weekend’s 1-0 loss to AC Milan has almost confirmed their relegation, as they currently sit second from bottom with five matches left, 10 points away from safety.
Bowie’s only other goal for Hellas Verona also came against a side with a Scotsman, as he found the net against Che Adams’ Torino in their 2-1 defeat earlier this month. While the team has struggled for results, one positive for him has been game time, having started every match under manager Paolo Sammarco when available.
He made his international debut in a friendly against Liechtenstein last year and has remained on the edge of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad since then. However, his club’s poor run of form in Italy is unlikely to help his chances of making the squad for the World Cup in the USA.