Celtic in talks to seal greatest deal since Engels

It was a season that resulted in a home double for Celtic, however Martin O’Neill will likely be beneath no illusions concerning the job at hand.

Certainly, this can be a squad in want of a drastic overhaul, and that is earlier than even contemplating the high-profile gamers who might be on their method, with Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels amongst these most notably tipped for an exit.

From goalkeeper proper by means of to quantity 9, the Parkhead aspect want each high quality and amount in relation to reinforcements, having been stung solely lately by a string of errant mortgage signings in January.

Even earlier than that, since Ange Postecoglou’s departure, there have been much more misses than hits on the recruitment entrance, with now maybe the time to scale back the chance considerably by concentrating on those that have already flourished within the Premiership.

Celtic might require important payment to seal Premiership sensation

Signings from inside the top-flight have been few and much between for Celtic in latest instances, with ex-Dundee man Luke McCowan one of many uncommon exceptions.

There may effectively be a change in tack this time round, nevertheless, with latest studies indicating that the Scottish champions might ramp up their bid to signal Motherwell star, Elijah Simply.

The 26-year-old – at the moment shining for New Zealand – can also be the topic of curiosity from Rangers after a positive debut season at Fir Park, with the checklist of suitors solely set to develop if his World Cup kind continues.

The Glasgow aspect may have a battle on their fingers to signal one other SPFL star, Miguel Chaiwa, with Edinburgh Night Information reporting that there are a ‘entire host’ of golf equipment in England additionally within the combine for the Hibernian man’s signature.

As per the report, Hibs have obtained ‘severe enquiries’ concerning the 22-year-old, with Celtic the one membership to be name-checked, suggesting that they’ve already held talks.

There are mentioned to be no ‘lively presents’ for the Zambian, whereas the Edinburgh aspect are intent on holding maintain of him, pointing to their latest £7m sale of Kieron Bowie for instance of their capacity to rake in a big payment.

If Chaiwa – who nonetheless has two years to run on his current deal – is to fetch wherever near that £7m sum, it could mark Celtic’s greatest funding since forking out a club-record £11m payment on Engels two years in the past.

Why Chaiwa might be a greater signing than Only for Celtic

Simply is barely a yr into his time at Motherwell, but has already put himself firmly within the store window following a outstanding rise during the last 12 months or so.

His latest World Cup brace towards Iran got here after a glowing season again in Scotland, nominated for the PFA Participant of the 12 months award after netting 14 targets and assists within the Premiership.

The Kiwi is a positive expertise, undoubtedly, though the one concern can be the place he suits into the group, notably with Benjamin Nygren at the moment occupying essentially the most superior midfield function at Parkhead.

The Swede additionally loved his personal stellar season following his arrival from Scandinavia, scoring 21 instances in all competitions, with that function nonetheless his to lose ought to he keep put this summer time.

An even bigger concern, in the meantime, is simply who will likely be finishing that midfield trio alongside Nygren and Callum McGregor, with the aforementioned Engels seemingly in line for an exit.

With Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo additionally going through unsure futures in Glasgow, the addition of a extra defensive-minded quantity six or quantity eight, therefore why Chaiwa ought to effectively be the precedence.

Be it McCowan, Matt O’Riley or Nicolas Kuhn, Celtic have welcomed in equally inventive, playmaking figures to Simply, but not in a protracted whereas has a dominant, powerhouse of a midfielder been signed within the mould of Chaiwa.

Within the view of Hibs boss David Grey, the in-demand Zambia star is a “correct modern-day midfielder“, the kind of participant who can cowl floor and dominate within the centre of the park.

That was seen in what was Chaiwa’s personal first season in Scotland in 2025/26, having made 28 Premiership appearances for the Easter Street aspect, scoring as soon as.

Working both as a six or an eight, he proved an actual power to be reckoned with in entrance of the again 4, having received 56% of his whole duels and 59% of his floor duels on common.

For comparability, the aforementioned Engels averaged simply 41% and 38% for those self same two metrics, respectively.

Simply may add additional gloss in a inventive sense, however Celtic will not be getting wherever with out correctly addressing the engine room, with Chaiwa capable of present that much-needed injection of vitality and mobility.

Equally too, at simply 22, there may be potential resale worth there, whereas in Simply’s case, at 26, the identical can not maybe be mentioned, highlighting once more why Chaiwa may effectively must be the precedence.