Hibs boss David Gray buzzing after signing former Celtic academy kid

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Former Celtic academy midfielder Azeem Abdulai is back in Scotland after completing a move to Hibs.

The 23-year-old spent seven years in Celtic’s youth set-up before being released at 16, a setback he later admitted left him heartbroken.

Abdulai has since had to build his career away from Glasgow, with spells at Leicester City, Swansea City and Leyton Orient before Hibs brought him back north.

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Hibs boss Gray hails ‘aggressive’ ex-Celt Azeem Abdulai

David Gray is clearly buzzing with the deal.

The Hibs boss has not just signed another squad body. He has brought in a midfielder he believes gives his side running power, edge and competition in the middle of the park.

Gray told Hibs’ official website: “Azeem is exactly the profile we wanted. He’s athletic, aggressive, technically secure on the ball and will play box-to-box.

“We are delighted that he has been able to join the group here in Ireland at the end of the week so he can settle in with the squad and get up to speed as quickly as possible.

“He gives us more options in the midfield area and that creates a healthy competition for places. We are excited to have him on board, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

How Azeem Abdulai built his career after leaving Celtic

Abdulai’s road back to Scotland has taken a few turns.

After leaving Celtic as a teenager, he moved south and spent time with Leicester City before joining Swansea City in 2021.

That was where Abdulai started getting first-team football and Scotland Under-21 recognition.

He later moved to Leyton Orient, where he added more senior games before Hibs made their move.

This is not a straight Celtic regret story. Abdulai left the club at 16 and has had to graft his way back into the Scottish Premiership.

But it does make him an interesting one for Celtic supporters to keep an eye on now that Hibs believe they have landed a midfielder with running power, aggression and technical ability.