Lee Johnson’s bond with Aiden McGeady could lure ex-Sunderland man to Hibernian as free agent

The 36-year-old is a free agent after being released in May

Lee Johnson will hope his bond with Aiden McGeady - forged during their time at Sunderland - may lure the winger to Hibernian this summer after becoming a free agent. The Black Cats released McGeady at the end of May after his contract expired, and now the 36-year-old has been linked with a move across the border and a reunion with his former boss.

The ex-Republic of Ireland international moved to the Stadium of Light in July 2017 and scored 29 goals in 127 league games. McGeady formed a strong relationship with Johnson when the former Bristol City boss arrived in December 2020, likewise the manager got the best out of his tricky winger.

Johnson was sacked in surprising circumstances in January, having just been thumped 6-0 by Bolton Wanderers but with the club third in the league. He moved to Scottish Premier League side Hibs in May and has since been linked to McGeady, with their close relationship potentially deciding a move.

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And McGeady had high praise for the 41-year-old when he signed a contract extension at the club last year.

"If it was another manager then I don't think I would be here, but he made it quite clear from as soon as he took over that he wanted me to play and be a big player in his team," he told the Sunderland website in July 2021.

“He showed a lot of faith in me and I'd like to think I repaid that faith to an extent, but there's a lot more to be done to be successful. But the manager was a big part in me wanting to stay.

“I've played probably my best football for a couple of years, especially when I came back into the team, under him. He gives me licence to play and I know now what he wants from his team.”

Johnson’s influence on the tricky winger could make a move possible, and should the player want a deal then there is no doubt the Hibs boss would appreciate McGeady’s talents, describing him in the past as ‘a quality human and professional’.

“I believe he’s a great player, he’s our talisman, if you like, in terms of that attitude to take the game by the scruff of the neck and go and produce and he does that on the regular," he said when Sunderland boss.