Having spent a fruitful season out on loan at Hibs a couple of seasons ago, Brandon Barker is a well known face around Easter Road. He’s been linked with a move back to Scotland though and Hibs should make their pitch for the winger.
According to the Daily Mail, Celtic are after the Manchester City wideman. With just 12 months left on his deal, he may be allowed to move on permanently this summer. The very least that will happen is another loan spell away from the Etihad.
Hibs would be a much better fit for him than Parkhead.
Hibs’ selling point for Barker is first team football
Barker had a stop-start campaign at Preston last year, where he never hit the heights he did in Leith. For me, he isn’t quite good enough yet to play with Scotland’s best, despite former boss and current Hoops manager Neil Lennon being a big fan of his.
He is, however, good enough for Paul Heckingbottom’s side. Last time out at Easter Road he excited fans with his pace, footwork and mature performances out on the wing.
The Hibees have lacked pace throughout the side since the former Leeds United manager took over. Daryl Horgan and the returning Martin Boyle are the only two players who can provide it right now, so Barker would be another good pacey option to have.
Finances will play a part here. Hibs aren’t likely to be in a position to pay a transfer fee, never mind compete with any money Celtic can offer.
If it is just a loan deal, however, the lure of first team football should be a good selling point for the Easter Road side.
After a frustrating 2018/19 campaign, Barker needs to play first team football. He wouldn’t see much of it at Celtic, however, he will find it at Hibs. The Leith based side need a player like the Citizens wideman. They should be monitoring Barker’s situation closely.