Celtic in talks to seal biggest deal since Engels

It was a season that ended in a domestic double for Celtic, but Martin O’Neill will be under no illusions regarding the job at hand.

Indeed, this is a squad in need of a drastic overhaul, and that’s before even considering the high-profile players who could be on their way, with Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels among those most notably tipped for an exit.

From goalkeeper right through to number nine, the Parkhead side need both quality and quantity when it comes to reinforcements, having been stung only recently by a string of errant loan signings in January.

Even before that, since Ange Postecoglou’s departure, there have been far more misses than hits on the recruitment front, with now perhaps the time to reduce the risk somewhat by targeting those who have already flourished in the Premiership.

Celtic could require significant fee to seal Premiership sensation

Signings from within the top-flight have been few and far between for Celtic in recent times, with ex-Dundee man Luke McCowan one of the rare exceptions.

There might well be a change in tack this time around, however, with recent reports indicating that the Scottish champions could ramp up their bid to sign Motherwell star, Elijah Just.

The 26-year-old – currently shining for New Zealand – is also the subject of interest from Rangers after a fine debut season at Fir Park, with the list of suitors only set to grow if his World Cup form continues.

The Glasgow side may also have a battle on their hands to sign another SPFL star, Miguel Chaiwa, with Edinburgh Evening News reporting that there are a ‘whole host’ of clubs in England also in the mix for the Hibernian man’s signature.

As per the report, Hibs have received ‘serious enquiries’ regarding the 22-year-old, with Celtic the only club to be name-checked, suggesting that they have already held talks.

There are said to be no ‘active offers’ for the Zambian, while the Edinburgh side are intent on keeping hold of him, pointing to their recent £7m sale of Kieron Bowie as an example of their ability to rake in a significant fee.

If Chaiwa – who still has two years to run on his existing deal – is to fetch anywhere close to that £7m sum, it would mark Celtic’s biggest investment since splashing out a club-record £11m fee on Engels two years ago.

Why Chaiwa could be a better signing than Just for Celtic

Just is only a year into his time at Motherwell, yet has already put himself firmly in the shop window following a remarkable rise over the last 12 months or so.

His recent World Cup brace against Iran came after a sparkling season back in Scotland, nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award after netting 14 goals and assists in the Premiership.

The Kiwi is a fine talent, undoubtedly, although the only concern would be where he fits into the team, particularly with Benjamin Nygren currently occupying the most advanced midfield role at Parkhead.

The Swede also enjoyed his own stellar season following his arrival from Scandinavia, scoring 21 times in all competitions, with that role still his to lose should he stay put this summer.

A bigger concern, meanwhile, is just who will be completing that midfield trio alongside Nygren and Callum McGregor, with the aforementioned Engels seemingly in line for an exit.

With Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo also facing uncertain futures in Glasgow, the addition of a more defensive-minded number six or number eight, hence why Chaiwa should well be the priority.

Be it McCowan, Matt O’Riley or Nicolas Kuhn, Celtic have welcomed in similarly creative, playmaking figures to Just, yet not in a long while has a dominant, powerhouse of a midfielder been signed in the mould of Chaiwa.

In the view of Hibs boss David Gray, the in-demand Zambia star is a “proper modern-day midfielder“, the type of player who can cover ground and dominate in the centre of the park.

That was seen in what was Chaiwa’s own first season in Scotland in 2025/26, having made 28 Premiership appearances for the Easter Road side, scoring once.

Operating either as a six or an eight, he proved a real force to be reckoned with in front of the back four, having won 56% of his total duels and 59% of his ground duels on average.

For comparison, the aforementioned Engels averaged just 41% and 38% for those same two metrics, respectively.

Just might add extra gloss in a creative sense, but Celtic won’t be getting anywhere without properly addressing the engine room, with Chaiwa able to provide that much-needed injection of energy and mobility.

Equally too, at just 22, there is potential resale value there, while in Just’s case, at 26, the same cannot perhaps be said, highlighting again why Chaiwa might well need to be the priority.