Celtic Are Interested In This Hibernian Player: Sound Idea For The Club? | OneFootball

According to CeltsAreHere, Celtic’s interest in Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa has moved well past the stage of silent admiration. The two clubs held talks as early as the January window, though those initial negotiations have stopped due to Hibs’ valuation of the player.

The story didn’t end there, though. Fresh contact in recent weeks confirms Celtic’s interest in the 21-year-old remains genuine. While no deal is in place, neither side have walked away. Importantly, Chaiwa is reportedly open to the move, seeing it as a chance to test himself at the top of the Premiership and in Europe. The Zambia international is currently under contract at Easter Road until 2028, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €1.1m.

Is the Interest in Chaiwa a Sound Idea for Celtic?

To understand the link, you have to look at the chaos at Parkhead this season. Since Brendan Rodgers resigned in October, the club have cycled through Wilfried Nancy’s disastrous 33-day tenure to Martin O’Neill’s current interim role. Celtic are a club in total transition, rebuilding their identity while searching for a permanent boss.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Miguel Chaiwa of Hibernian battles with Claudio Braga of Hearts during the William Hill Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian at Tynecastle Park on February 10, 2026 in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)

Chaiwa’s 2025/26 stats, 19 matches and a single goal, aren’t exactly attractive, but his profile is interesting. WhoScored notes his strengths in dribbling and interceptions, balanced against weaknesses in discipline and tackling. He’s a high-energy, aggressive player who shines when the pace picks up, even if his decision-making remains raw.

Do Celtic actually need him right now?

It is probably not a priority. With a massive squad rebuild looming, they need a plug-and-play defensive midfielder. Reports suggest FC Cologne’s Eric Martel is a more seasoned, physical option. Asking a 21-year-old in his first full senior season to anchor a Celtic engine room under European pressure feels like a stretch.

Ultimately, this depends on the next permanent manager. Hibs hold the control with his long contract, and they won’t sell cheap. Given the financial fallout of a turbulent year, Celtic might find the price too steep. The more likely scenario will be Celtic looking for a more immediate impact elsewhere, revisiting Chaiwa in a year once he’s matured further at Easter Road.