"I beg"; Hibernian fans are lining up their calls to sign Celtic's Leigh Griffiths

By David Walton

April 14, 2021

Many Hibernian supporters are all for signing Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths if the opportunity arises.

The Daily Record reported last night that Griff isn’t going to be wanted by Aberdeen this summer. Therefore, should Celtic decide not to take up the option of an extr year in his contract, Hibs are favourites to bag him.

Griffiths spent a productive two-year spell at Easter Road between 2011 and 2013 on loan from Wolves. The Scotland international would bag 38 goals in 78 games for the club [Transfermarkt]. His record in Leith, combined with the fact he’s supported the club since he was a boy, has led to him earning cult-hero status with the Hibs supporters.

But times have changed on the pitch for Griffiths. As a storming seven-year career at Parkhead looks like it could come to an end, it could be time for pastures new once more.

The Celtic supporters have watched Griff rattle home a superb 122 goals and bag 51 assists for the club in 257 outings [Transfermarkt]. Throughout his time in Glasgow, he’s won seven Scottish Premiership titles, three Scottish Cups, and four League Cups respectively. His legacy here can’t be undermined.

Celtic have a decision to make; Hibernian fans all for Leigh Griffiths signing

But the truth is we haven’t seen the best of Griffiths over the last several campaign now. He’s had his off-field problems that have been respected and helped with by the football club. However, as his contract nears its end, there are major question marks over whether he deserves the extra year.

Some will feel he does simply because of the fact he’s won so much for the club and played a key role in our dominance of Scottish football this past decade. That has real merit. But we’re also talking about a centre-forward who’s failed to bag over 20 goals in a season since 2015-16. That stat can’t be ignored.

Leigh Griffiths taking on Rangers / (Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Celtic have a decision to make and it’s one they will do in due course. However, if they decide not to take up that extra year, Hibs fans generally appear willing to sign him up. No surprises there then.

Griffiths undoubtedly has the quality to remain in Scottish football. Any side outside of Celtic signing him would be picking up a bargain – especially if they can nab him for free. But considering his injury issues and fitness problems this season [Glasgow Times], Leigh certainly appears to come with baggage these days.

Should Patryk Klimala leave Parkhead in the coming days, Celtic may want to think twice about letting Griff depart. But it’s clear many Hibs fans would take him in a heartbeat. Outside of the odd negative remark, many were left excited by the prospect on social media:

https://twitter.com/MichaelG3270/status/1382128477483196419

In other news, we take a look at the 2 unanswered questions surrounding Patryk Klimala’s potential Celtic exit.