Kilmarnock have completed the signing of Hull City defender Cathal McCarthy on loan for the 2026/27 season.
McCarthy joined Hull in February of 2025 from University College Dublin, with the club reportedly beating out interest from multiple Premier League clubs to secure his signature.
The 19-year-old, who has been deployed as a centre-back and in defensive midfield, made eight first-team appearances for the Tigers last season in all competitions as they secured promotion back to the Premier League.
In February he started in the heart of defence as Hull faced Chelsea in the FA Cup fourth round and gave a good account of himself on the night, despite the hosts falling to a 4-0 defeat.
However, with Sergej Jakirovic bringing in multiple defensive reinforcements in the summer window McCarthy has been consistently linked with a loan move away from the MKM Stadium as he looks to continue gaining experience.
Several teams had been linked with the Irishman in recent weeks but it is Kilmarnock who have won the race to sign McCarthy on loan.
Speaking following the announcement McCarthy detailed his excitement to join up with Neil McCann's side.
"I’m delighted to be here and I am really looking forward to get going,” McCarthy told the club's website.
“Our game this weekend has been postponed, but I’m looking forward to next week already. I’ve met some of my new teammates, and most of the staff. I’m excited to get involved.
"I spoke to Liam Millar back in Hull, who spent time here, and James Furlong who was on loan at Motherwell. Both loved their time in Scotland. I want to set down a marker, prove to everyone that I’m good enough to play regular first team football.
"As for the team, we want to push up the table and do better than we did last season."
Killie opened their Scottish Premiership campaign earlier this month with a dramatic 4-3 defeat to St. Johnstone before losing 5-1 to Celtic at Rugby Park.
The club were due to play Hibernian on Saturday, but the game has been postponed to give Hibs time to prepare for their UEFA Conference League play-off against Gent.
Instead, McCarthy will look to make his debut when the club play host to Dundee United on 29 August as they look to claim their first points of the campaign.
