Celtic Plot Summer Move For This Hibernian Midfield Ace: Why He Could Replace McGregor In The Long Run | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Herald is believed to be true, Celtic are plotting a summer move for Miguel Chaiwa. There would be a significant overhaul to free up funds for the new manager, and the board might bring in the Hibernian midfield ace as part of the squad transition.

The 21-year-old Zambia international progressed through the ranks of Shamuel Academy before joining Atletico Lusaka back in his homeland. Swiss heavyweights BSC Young Boys scouted him for their reserves and eventually promoted him to their first team as a sporadic player. While his gametime was limited in the top flight, the Bern-based outfit loaned him out to second-tier side Schaffhausen for the second half of the 2023-24 season.

How He Has Been Pivotal To Gray’s Style of Play

Although Chaiwa was a part of Young Boys’ first-team plans for the 2024-25 season, the club sanctioned a €800k transfer to Hibernian, having failed to hand him enough minutes in the middle of the park. He has so far featured 24 times across competitions, primarily as a deep-lying playmaker in David Gray’s 3-4-1-2 formation [stats via Transfermarket].

Chaiwa took a while to settle in Scottish football, but has cemented a first-team role upon his return from the African Cup of Nations. He is contracted at Ewood Park until the summer of 2028, with Hibs having the option to extend his stay for a further year. They would look to maximise the profit from his sale, and Celtic, despite being well-equipped in the centre of the pitch, might step up interest in the coming days.

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)

Why Celtic Must Bring Him To Parkhead In The Summer Window

The Hoops are heavily reliant on Callum McGregor, who has been their driving force from the base of Martin O’Neill’s midfield setup. While they also have Benjamin Nygren, Arne Engels, Reo Hatate, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan, none of them is suited for the ‘number 6’ spot. The Scotsman will be 33 in June, and the club must find a long-term suitor for their veteran skipper.

Meanwhile, Engels was a subject of interest from Nottingham Forest, who saw a bid of around £25m rejected in January. Celtic might struggle to keep hold of their prized asset; also, the Glasgow giants have yet to decide whether to trigger the one-year extension of Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract beyond this summer. Hatate, a shadow of his earlier self, will be allowed to move on, and Bernardo, who has been a surplus to requirements at Parkhead, might explore a fresh challenge to attain playing time.

Chaiwa is known for his high-energy, box-to-box style, with strong dribbling and intercepting attributes. His concentration, flexibility, physical presence and technical traits would help him attune to the grind and demands at Celtic Park, and it remains to be seen whether the champions intensify their interest in due time.