Exactly.
Hard to see Celtc recoup anything like £1m for Leigh, so unless he’s in the new manager’s plans for next season it would be folly for them to trigger that clause.
Printable View
:hyper
He's out of contract, with Celtic having a year option. If they don't want him, he's free to sign for anyone else. There will be no salary to absorb for Griffiths, because he won't be getting paid by anyone. He doesn't have the option of staying and picking up the dosh.
It's not in Lee's hands. If Celtc trigger the option he stays there, so we're not competing with £1m a year. However I think that with a signing on fee in year 1 we could get close to 50% of Lee's reputed £1m a year. With the obvious advantages of Lee staying in Edinburgh I think we would have an excellent chance of getting him. I also think if fans are allowed back, we would recoup a good piece of our outlay through increased ST sales. Bring him home, it makes sense!
Judging by the comments on Kerrydale Street, I think there would be mass rioting if they take up their option. I suppose they might take the opportunity to gamble on keeping him for one more year on a much reduced wage, which, financially but not football-wise for Griffiths, might be his best option.
Not necessarily. I doubt it would have been agreed by Celtic that the one year option would have been at his present wage. I think the option clause would have been one year at a wage determined by Celtic. In that case, instead of £18k, they might offer, say £10k, which might be the best he can get, otherwise he can walk away.
I’ve always understood the one year option was for Celtic and not LG. So if Celtic want to take it up then LG has to accept that.
I’d presume though that it would be another year on the wage he’s on and not a wage of Celtics determination that LG wouldn’t have a say in.
Celtic would be able to not extend his current contract but still offer him a new deal on reduced terms and that's what i think they will do. It would then be up to him to decide whether he wants to stay for reduced money (but still likely more than what hibs or aberdeen can offer) or leave and play every week.
If he does leave then I really hope he decides to come to us, it's not often we get the chance to sign someone of his calibre who aren't well into their 30's.
I hear what you guys are saying so I suppose I’m suggesting a scenario along the lines ....... Celtic - Sorry Leigh we can’t offer you an extension under the present conditions so you’re free to go. However, we are willing to offer you a new one/two year contract at £8k. If that’s the best deal he can get, he might take it.
:hyper
A few people have suggested that there would be a big increase in Season Ticket sales, but I very much doubt that many non ST holders would be all that excited by Leigh Griffiths signing again.
Even if there were a few extras bought, it would mostly be by people who attend the majority, if not all, the games anyway and there's no increased revenue from that.
I do think we should try but and financial benefit would come from success on the park, not ticket sales.
If Celtic offer him a new deal even if it’s on reduced terms, then it will
be better than what we can offer I guess. Probably the last chance at a good/final pay day. So I don’t think many folk would argue with him
Hypothetically taking a 8k rather than a 3-4K. Unless we lump in with a large signing on bonus.