Celtic’s summer plans are already taking shape, and the early signs point to a squad overhaul rather than a light touch.
Stephen McGowan has confirmed the club are tracking Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and Motherwell attacker Elijah Just, two players who have stood out in the Premiership this season.
It follows on from CeltsAreHere revealing last week that Celtic were back in negotiations with Hibs regarding Chaiwa, with talks ongoing again in recent weeks.
McGowan told PLZ Soccer:
“I think Miguel Chaiwa is certainly one Celtic are interested in, no question about that. They’re looking at Eli Just as well.
“So I think some of these players will be on radars.
“The homegrown quotes for European football necessitate these players now.
“Callum McGregor and James Forrest are not getting any younger. So they’re going to have to replace them with younger players who can come into the European squad.”
🗣️ ‘Miguel Chaiwa is certainly one Celtic are interested in.’@mcgowan_stephen says the champions could look at the Hibs midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Should Celtic look to the Premiership player market?
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— PLZ Soccer (@PLZSoccer) April 15, 2026
That last point matters. Celtic have leaned heavily on Callum McGregor and James Forrest for years, but both are moving into the latter stages. There is a clear need to refresh, not just domestically but with Europe in mind.
Chaiwa, 21, fits that profile. He covers ground, plays with intensity, and would add legs to a midfield that has looked short of energy at times this season. There is no suggestion he walks straight in, but the long-term thinking is obvious.
Elijah Just offers something different at the top end of the pitch.
The Motherwell attacker has 15 goal contributions under Jens Berthel Askou and has been one of the more effective players outside the top two. He can operate wide or centrally, which would give Celtic options they have not consistently had.
That flexibility has been missing. Too often the attack has felt predictable, lacking a spark when games tighten. Just would not solve everything, but he brings variation and a willingness to take risks in the final third.
There is also a wider factor at play. Just is set to feature for New Zealand at this summer’s World Cup. A strong showing there will not go unnoticed, and Celtic will not be the only club watching.
If the interest is serious, this one cannot be dragged.
The Hoops have been here before, identifying talent early but failing to get deals done when it matters. With both Chaiwa and Just, the groundwork appears in place.
What comes next will say a lot about how decisive the club intend to be this summer.
