Ethan Laidlaw (footballer)

Ethan James Laidlaw (born 2 January 2005) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Brentford.

Laidlaw is a product of the Hibernian academy and began his professional career with the club. He transferred to Brentford in 2023. He was capped by Scotland at U17 and U18 level.

Hibernian
A forward, Laidlaw began his youth career at Longniddry Villa, under the coaching of his father. He entered the Hibernian academy at age 8. Laidlaw was a part of the U14 squad which won the 2018 Foyle Cup and progressed through the academy to sign his first professional contract in February 2021. He was an unused substitute during seven first team matches between April 2021 and January 2023. Laidlaw made two Scottish Challenge Cup appearances for the B team and was a part of the 2021–22 SPFL Development League-winning squad which subsequently entered the UEFA Youth League (Laidlaw scoring the winner in a match against Nantes in the competition). He turned down a new contract and departed Easter Road when his existing contract expired at the end of the 2022–23 season.

Brentford
On 28 July 2023, Laidlaw transferred to the B team at Premier League club Brentford and signed a two-year contract, with a one-year option, for an undisclosed "six-figure" fee.

International career
Laidlaw won eight caps for Scotland at U17 and U18 levels. He scored a hat-trick on his international debut and was a part of the Scotland's 2022 UEFA European U17 Championship squad.

Personal life
Laidlaw is the son of former Scottish League footballer Steven Laidlaw and his brothers Keir and Josh also became footballers. He grew up in Port Seton and attended Preston Lodge High School. Laidlaw is a Hibernian supporter and served the club as a ball boy.

Career statistics
