The Kevin Nisbet/Leigh Griffiths rumour would be a superb move for Celtic

By David Walton

August 22, 2021

The prospect of a player plus cash offer for Celtic to secure Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet undoubtedly sounds appealing.

When you throw in that player being Leigh Griffiths given his current situation, it suddenly becomes an absolute dream move.

PLZ Soccer’s Peter Martin reported yesterday that his sources claim a potential move along those lines could be on the cards. He states that Griffiths’ time in Glasgow is up and Celtic want to shift him out.

Of course, the figure potentially involved hasn’t been mentioned. It was reported earlier this summer that Hibs were looking for £4m for their talisman [Daily Mail]. This comes after Nisbet rattled home an impressive 18 goals and bagged eight assists in 44 games last term [Transfermarkt].

Griffiths, meanwhile, is fourth choice at the club after signing a one-year extension just after Ange Postecoglou came in the door. However, since further off-field issues, he hasn’t been given a look-in. His pre-season was also disrupted, and the Hoops boss doesn’t appear to have much intention of integrating him back into the side.

Celtic would face tricky negotiations with Hibernian to bag Kevin Nisbet

It wouldn’t matter if Griffiths was involved or not. Any negotiations for Celtic with Hibernian regarding Nisbet will be extremely difficult.

Hibs’ love for Griffiths doesn’t mean they’ll accept anything Celtic throws their way. We’ve had trouble negotiating with the Edinburgh club in the past. Whilst our failure to bag the likes of John McGinn was undoubtedly a blunder from the Hoops, Hibs were hardly routine to deal with.

They’ll likely be the same with Nisbet. When you consider what he’s brought to the club in only one year in Leith, he’s clearly a commodity. He’s also started the season with two goals and two assists in six games. That means he’s in form.

So if Celtic manage to shift Griffiths whilst also securing Nisbet, it would be incredible stuff from the football club. Whether it’s even a possibility, however, remains to be seen.

Here, we take a look at how the Celtic fans have reacted to the potential move. Unsurprisingly, it’s with overwhelming approval:

In other news, VVV-Venlo want saga surrounding Celtic-linked Georgios Giakoumakis to end this week