Comparisons with John McGinn are not only inevitable – as West Ham United look to emulate Aston Villa by making a summer raid on Hibernian – they are more than justified.
That is the view of Hibs supporters who are reacting to claims that Josh Mulligan has emerged as a target for West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League.
According to reporter Ben Jacobs, the Easter Road outfit have received an ‘initial enquiry’ from south of the border.
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Mulligan was likened to a young Gareth Bale when bursting onto the scene as a rapid right-back at Dundee.
After making the transition into a bullish, barnstorming central midfielder in Edinburgh, there are many of a Hibs persuasion who feel the now-West Ham United linked Mulligan has what it takes to follow in the footsteps of a Europa League-winning, long-serving Premier League skipper.
Hibernian fans discuss West Ham United’s Josh Mulligan interest
John McGinn swapped Edinburgh for Birmingham in 2018 when Aston Villa were looking for a route out of the Championship.
Eight years later – with a promotion, a European trophy, over 300 appearances and 40 goals under his belt – the £3 million fee Villa spent undoubtedly makes McGinn one of the best pound-for-pound signings in their entire history.
The Hibs faithful are just hoping that Mulligan, under contract until 2029, earns the Easter Road outfit a bigger windfall.
“Would make just as good an impact [at West Ham] as John McGinn does at Villa,” one fan writes on X. “Similar type of player. Just hope that we get more than we did for McGinn. Steal of the century that one.”
“Potentially better than McGinn,” another agrees, while setting a very ambitious price-tag. “Let the bidding start at £12 million.”
Hibs could demand over £5 million for Scotland international
The fee is highly likely to be in the seven-figure region, albeit Mulligan could still become the biggest sale in Hibs’ history. In the midst of a fifth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership, Hibernian banked a reported £5 million when selling Scotland striker Kieron Bowie to Hellas Verona.
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Bowie narrowly missed out on a spot in Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad. Some feel that Mulligan was unfortunate to suffer the same fate, although he did miss four months of action last season due to an ankle injury.
“Josh Mulligan is a very good player,” one fan argues. “In fact, had injury not ended his season, he would have been pushing for the Scotland World Cup squad and maybe Player of the Year.”
“Is there anyone who doesn’t rate him? He’s going to the very top, he’s outstanding.
“If [West Ham] are willing to pay £8 – 10 million, then we’ll talk. I’m not sure Mulligan would want to go to West Ham though. He’ll be aiming higher than the English Championship.
“[West Ham] would be lucky to have him. Mulligan is going to at least have as good a career as John McGinn.”
“[Mulligan is] the one player I wouldn’t want to lose.”
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