Celtic's pursuit of reinforcements appears to be heating up, with their interest in Hibernian's Miguel Chaiwa reportedly moving beyond mere scouting. According to reports, initial talks between the clubs took place as far back as the January transfer window, though they stalled over Hibs' valuation of the player.
The story, however, is far from over. Recent contact suggests Celtic's interest in the 21-year-old Zambian international remains active. While no agreement is imminent, negotiations are ongoing, and crucially, the player himself is said to be open to the switch, viewing it as a prime opportunity to compete at the pinnacle of Scottish football and in European competition.
This potential move must be viewed through the lens of a turbulent season at Parkhead. Following Brendan Rodgers' departure, the club has navigated a chaotic period, cycling through managers and now operating under interim leadership with Martin O'Neill. Celtic is a side in clear transition, seeking to rebuild its core identity while simultaneously hunting for a permanent manager—a context that makes every transfer link particularly significant.
On the pitch, Chaiwa presents an intriguing profile. His raw statistics for the 2025/26 season—a single goal in 19 appearances—don't immediately jump off the page. However, his playing style is notable. Scouting reports highlight a high-energy, aggressive midfielder whose strengths lie in dribbling and reading the game for interceptions, though he can be let down by occasional lapses in discipline and tackling.
The critical question for Celtic is one of immediate need versus long-term potential. With a major squad overhaul anticipated, the priority in the engine room is likely a proven, ready-made defensive midfielder. Names like FC Cologne's Eric Martel have been floated as more seasoned, physical alternatives. Thrusting a 21-year-old in his first full senior season into the anchor role during a high-pressure rebuild and European campaign would be a monumental ask, representing a significant gamble on his rapid development.