Celtic are in the midst of another important summer in the transfer market after confirming Martin O’Neill as the club’s permanent manager following last season’s domestic success.
The Hoops ended the 2025/26 campaign by lifting both the Scottish Premiership title and the Scottish Cup.
O’Neill guided Celtic to the domestic double during his third spell in charge before agreeing a one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.
The experienced manager is now expected to oversee another busy recruitment drive as Celtic prepare for Champions League football.
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Strengthening the squad has become one of the club’s main priorities ahead of the new season, and midfield is among the areas Celtic are looking to reinforce.
Several players have been linked with moves to Parkhead as O’Neill assesses his options.
One name continuing to attract attention is Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa.
The Zambia international enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Hibs after establishing himself as an important player at Easter Road, and his performances have placed him firmly on Celtic’s radar.
The Scottish champions have monitored the midfielder for a while, and interest in Chaiwa has continued to grow as the summer window has progressed.
Celtic planning £5m bid for Miguel Chaiwa
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are now planning to test Hibs’ resolve with an offer.
The report states the Hoops are willing to table a bid of around £5 million for the African.
However, Football Insider adds that Celtic have no intention of matching their current valuation, with Hibs reported to value Chaiwa at around £7 million.
That asking price is understood to be higher than Celtic are prepared to pay at this stage.
Instead, the Scottish champions will be hoping negotiations can bring the two clubs closer together.
Why Celtic want to sign Miguel Chaiwa
The report claims the Hoops remain determined to explore a deal despite the difference in valuation, and it is easy to see why.
The ex-Young Boys sensation has earned praise for his energy, defensive work and composure in possession, whilst also being a regular international for Zambia.
Celtic are understood to view him as a player capable of strengthening their midfield for both domestic and European competition, with Champions League football expected to play an important role in the club’s recruitment plans this summer.
O’Neill is looking to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, and Chaiwa could be an invaluable addition.
Praised for his ‘elite pace‘, Chaiwa enjoyed a solid end to 25/26 and established himself as one of the first names on David Gray’s teamsheet.
Gray has also lavished praise on the midfielder, calling him a proper modern-day midfielder with bags of technical ability.
“He’s aggressive, he’s athletic – a proper modern-day midfielder,” said Gray last season.
“He’s really competitive, he has good energy and he’s technically good as well.”
Celtic are expected to remain active in the transfer market as O’Neill prepares for his first full season back in permanent charge.
The club have already laid the foundations by securing the manager’s long-term future after last season’s league and cup triumph, with attention now turning towards strengthening the squad.
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