There are so many opinions flying around on the potential Leigh Griffiths to Aberdeen option.

Indeed, the report from the Scottish Sun last night was interesting. They claim that Celtic have until April 30th to make a decision on whether to give Griffiths another year on his contract. If so, it would expire in the summer of 2022. If not, Aberdeen and Hibs are apparently keen to take him for nothing in just a few months.

John Kennedy spoke about the situation today at his pre-Livingston press conference. He stated that the club will have a conversation with Griffiths, but that all details will remain private until a decision is made [Celtic TV]. No details on when that conversation will happen or what direction the club is leaning towards.

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For many Celtic supporters it’s simple. Griffiths’ time at Celtic is up after failing to produce properly for the club since the 2015/16 season. Others will believe that he has a future and that a fresh start under another new manager could bring out the best in him.

The facts don’t lie though. Over the last five campaigns, Griff has bagged 19 goals in all competitions. It’s not enough to warrant a new contract. But just as important for Celtic is where Griffiths believes his next move to be.

If Celtic send Leigh Griffiths to Aberdeen or Hibernian, you can see the headlines now

You can just imagine the scenario in your head. Griffiths leaves the club and decides to move to Aberdeen or Hibernian. The constant narrative in the build-up to games against these sides will be how Griff is bound to bite us in the backside. The worrying thing is – he likely would as well!

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Then it’ll be a case of “Why did Celtic let him go?”. It’ll be a record that’s played almost every time we come up against him.

Yet, at the same time, Griffiths needs to get himself some regular football. If he goes to another club, you could easily see him wanting to stay in Scotland. At 30, he likely won’t want to be sucked into the English football tornado where instability runs rife. He’ll want to have a stable plan for the next two or three years of his career. That’s something the likes of Aberdeen and Hibernian could likely offer him.

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon with Leigh Griffiths on Sunday

Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon with Leigh Griffiths (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)

There is, of course, the option to at least trigger the extra year and send him out on loan. That would mean Griffiths can’t play against Celtic with his new club, but will be given the chance to prove himself one more time. He could help our title-chances too given he’ll be able to play against the likes of Rangers and the rest of the top clubs in Scotland.

Celtic would be able to fend off a fair portion of his wage too to any potential suitors. Granted, the vast majority would likely still have to be paid by the Hoops. Especially with the Sun reporting that the extra year could cost as much as £1million.

But allowing him to leave for Pittodrie or Easter Road permanently feels dangerous just now. Triggering his extra year gives Griffiths one last chance to prove himself to Celtic, but at another club. It gives Celtic satisfaction in knowing he can’t play against us either, whilst potentially strengthening our title-chances if he performs against our rivals.

And it seems the Celtic supporters are split on what to do hear too. Reacting to the report on Twitter, here’s how the supporters have reacted:

 

In other news, Jonjoe Kenny yesterday fielded questions on his future, the managerial speculation, and life at Celtic under John Kennedy.

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