Shaun Maloney Begins Celtic Summer Transfer Planning

Celtic have not yet confirmed who will take charge as the club’s next permanent manager, but planning for the summer window is already underway. Journalist Stephen McGowan reports that Shaun Maloney has started working with the recruitment department to identify players as the club prepares to reshape the squad.

Maloney returned to Celtic earlier this season in a pathway role, linking the academy and first team. During a turbulent campaign he has become more involved with the senior setup, working alongside the coaching staff while also contributing to discussions about future signings.

Those conversations have started while the current season continues. Celtic remain in the Premiership title race and still have a Scottish Cup campaign to navigate, but attention has also turned toward the makeup of the squad once the campaign finishes.

McGowan reports that two players already on the radar are Motherwell winger Elijah Just and Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa. Both have been monitored in recent months as Celtic look at options who already understand the pace and demands of the Scottish game.

Just has impressed on the right flank for Motherwell during their strong run this season. The New Zealand international likes to attack defenders directly and often cuts inside onto his left foot. That movement creates shooting angles and opens passing lanes toward the centre of the box.

Chaiwa offers something different. The Hibs midfielder operates deeper and covers large areas of the pitch. He drops in front of the defence when possession is lost and then carries the ball forward once space appears.

Recruitment discussions are taking place while the squad still fights through the final stretch of fixtures. Celtic have had to adjust the team at times due to injuries and changes in personnel. Those experiences tend to shape the way clubs look at future additions.

The search for a permanent manager remains ongoing, but McGowan reports that groundwork for the next phase of the squad has already begun, with Maloney involved in identifying players who could strengthen the side.