Rangers and Celtic told why they were snubbed by former Hibs star after taking familiar pathway
The striker made his move from Scotland to the Serie A in January
Rangers and Celtic January transfer target, Kieron Bowie made his move from Hibs to Hellas Verona because he wanted to try ‘something new’.
The Scotland International made his £7.5m move to the Serie A side in the winter window after impressing at Easter Road. Rangers, Celtic and Wolves all expressed an interest in his services but the 23-year old deemed a move abroad to be more attractive. Bowie scored nine goals in all competitions for the Hibees this season before making the switch to the north of Italy.
The SPFL Premiership to the Serie A has became a more popular pathway in recent years for players wanting to try something a bit different. Former Hibs left back, Josh Doig made the same switch as Bowie from Leith to Verona in 2022 and was a big influence in the striker’s decision. Scotland internationals, Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson and Lennon Miller have all also followed a similar path in recent years.
Kieron Bowie on why he snubbed Old Firm for Italy
Doig, who has since moved on to Sassuolo, proved key in Bowie’s choice to try something new. The striker claimed the success of some of his Italian-based Scotland teammates also played on his mind. He told the Hibs Observer: “I think a few times, maybe something had been mentioned (Old Firm interest), but I didn’t want to stay in Scotland, or even in the UK. I wanted to try and do something a bit different, culturally, and experience something new.
“I spoke to Josh before I came, because he and I are quite close. When we spoke, he had nothing but good things to say about Verona as a city and as a club as well. I think that just made my mind up. Obviously there’s quite a few other Scottish boys that are here, and have done well for themselves. That was one of the main things: to come here, and to challenge myself to something different. I’ve seen other Scottish players doing well – I thought, that could be me too."
How is Kieron Bowie faring at Hellas Verona?
The former Hibs man bagged the winner against Ferguson’s Bologna last month in a 2-1 away win, however this is the only match Verona have earned three points in since his arrival. Last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to AC Milan has all but ensure they’ll be relegated, as they currently sit second bottom with five games to go, 10 points from safety.
Bowie’s only other goal in a Hellas Verona shirt was also up against a team with a Scotsman in their ranks, as he was on target against Che Adams’ Torino in their 2-1 defeat earlier this month. While his team are struggling to perform on the pitch, one thing he can take positives from his is minutes, having started every game under manager Paolo Sammarco when fit.
He made his international debut in a friendly against Liechtenstein last year and has been on the fringes of Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad ever since. However, his current team’s poor form in Italy won’t have done him any favours in securing himself a seat on the plane to the USA for the World Cup.