Report: Griffiths keen on Celtic departure with Dundee and overseas options

By Euan Davidson

August 31, 2021

Leigh Griffiths sees no future for himself at Celtic, and wants to pursue a move, according to a report.

Dundee are desperate to land Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths, who also has overseas options, according to the Scottish Sun.

At the weekend, Dundee manager James McPake was giving nothing away in terms of his late window targets. However, the Sun report that Griffiths is wanted on Tayside. The issue, though, is that Dundee’s managing director John Nelms is currently out of the country.

The Dens Park side desperately need goals. So far this season, the Dark Blues have managed just 4 in as many matches. Two of those came on the same day, in a draw with St Mirren [BBC].

According to the report, an unnamed Israeli team are also keen on Griffiths. Movement between Celtic and Israeli clubs has been frequent over the recent past. Ismaila Soro, Liel Abada and Hatem Abd Elhamed have all arrived (and in Elhamed’s case, returned) from the Israeli top-flight.

Therefore, the knowledge about Celtic in that market will be of a decent standard. However, the Sun state that Scottish striker Griffiths isn’t excited by the possibility.

Dundee manager James McPake knows Leigh Griffiths well. The Bellshill born ex-defender knows the striker from spells at Livingston and Hibernian. Like Scott Brown’s move to work with Stephen Glass at Aberdeen, that pre-existing friendship may prove fruitful, in terms of a move.

Time up for Griffiths at Celtic?

Given his disastrous past two pre-seasons, and not being first choice for years at Celtic, it’s probably time both parties cut each other loose. Certainly, that’s what Griffiths seems to want to do.

If Griffiths wants to play for Scotland again, having missed out on Euro 2020, then being first-choice at a club like Dundee won’t hurt his chances.

Despite signing a new deal in the summer, Griffiths has most likely burnt his bridges with Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou. A manager who isn’t afraid to lose anyone who lets him down, it’s likely the Bhoys boss feels immensely disappointed with his striker.

With Odsonne Edouard also likely to leave today, it’s a striker exodus from Celtic Park. However, Greek target man Georgios Giakoumakis looks to be on his way. The VVV-Venlo man hit 26 goals for a club who were relegated from the Eredivise last season.

Read more: Celtic youngster makes international mark