Celtic Told Miguel Chaiwa Stance As Hibs Talks Continue

By
Michael Shearer
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Celtic’s interest in Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa remains one to watch as the summer transfer window begins to take shape.

CeltsAreHere revealed back in April that Celtic had held talks with Hibs over the 22-year-old, with discussions taking place during the January window and again in the weeks that followed.

At that stage, no agreement was reached between the clubs.

Hibs were understood to value Chaiwa higher than Celtic were prepared to go, leaving the move on hold rather than closed completely.


Two months on, the situation has not moved significantly, but Celtic’s interest has not gone away.

CeltsAreHere understands Chaiwa likes the idea of a move to Celtic, with the next step now depending on whether the clubs can find common ground over a transfer fee.

Discussions around the situation have involved Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay, and the ball is now in Celtic’s court if they want to push the deal forward.

Chaiwa remains a very interesting profile for Celtic.

The Zambian international has already shown he can handle the pace and physical side of Scottish football, which immediately makes him a different type of target to players arriving from abroad.

He is strong in the challenge, covers ground well and is comfortable doing the less glamorous side of midfield work.

That is something Celtic lacked at times last season.

There were too many matches where the midfield looked open when games became stretched. A player who can sit deeper, break up play and add more bite would give Martin O’Neill another option in an area that needs more balance.

Chaiwa is still only 22, so Celtic would also be buying potential rather than a finished product.

That is important.

He has already played regular football in Scotland, but there is still clear room for development. In the right environment, surrounded by better players and competing for trophies, there is every chance he could take another step forward.

Hibs, of course, remain in a strong position.

Chaiwa is under contract, and with interest from across Europe also understood to have emerged, Hibs are under no pressure to let him leave cheaply.

That means Celtic will need to decide how much they want him.


The groundwork has been done. Hibs know Celtic’s interest is there.

Now it comes down to whether Celtic are ready to make their move.

3 COMMENTS

  3. While Celtic are assessing how many mediocre players we can afford, the good players are being snapped up.
    Based on recent transfer windows, I believe Desmond is not releasing any money until late in the window, then he can get all the dross signed up.
    I would like to know who is scouting signing and do they have a list of quality players lined up .

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