Aberdeen are Jamie McGrath’s third Scottish Premiership side after previously starring for St Mirren and Dundee United.
It has been confirmed he will make it four next season with the news Hibs have signed McGrath on a pre-contract, agreeing a four-year deal.
The Hibees were delighted to announce the signing yesterday with the Dons responding by insisting he was happy to stay with them but they weren’t prepared to offer the 28-year-old the long-term contract he wanted.
Hibs and Aberdeen fans both gave their reactions yesterday with the latter mostly backing their club’s decision up.
David Gray admits it could be seen as a statement signing as he lines up some more potential out-of-contract stars for next season.
And now some pundits have given their own take on it.
Jonny Hayes surprised by McGrath Hibs move
Former Aberdeen winger Jonny Hayes has seen McGrath’s Pittodrie exit coming for some times by reading between the lines from afar.
But he has been taken aback by the fact he has decided to go to Hibs.
Hayes reckons it is a blow to lose someone who was so important to the way the Dons played in the early part of the campaign until his injury.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “Not surprised he’s moved on because he’s been in the last year of his contract and having worked behind the scenes at Aberdeen for some time, they would have wanted to try and tie that a lot earlier.
“Signs were there that he was going to move on but a little bit surprised he’s moved to Hibs.
“A four-year deal, 28 now, I think he’s a really good player and the first few months this season he was probably Aberdeen’s standout player. For me, it’s not a coincidence he’s get injured and the form dips.
“He’s been integral to what they were doing. He comes out the team and they start to lack a little creativity and the manager starts looking to solve that. On his day, Jamie can play anywhere in this country and he’ll be a miss for Aberdeen.”
Neil Lennon on McGrath Hibs move
Neil Lennon finds the timing of the announcement of the pre-contract yesterday ‘strange’. But he sees McGrath as one of the standout players in the league.
He said: “I like him. I liked him at St Mirren.
“He’s got good qualities and is a versatile player as well. I think he has quality and it’s interesting that comes out today.
“Strange timing but he obviously wanted a fresh start. One of the players outside the Old Firm that stands out a little bit for me.”