Miguel Chaiwa emerges as Celtic FC target

Zambian international Miguel Chaiwa has emerged as the subject of transfer speculation linking him with a switch to Scottish Premiership giants Celtic FC.

The Chipolopolo midfielder’s club Hibernian FC confirmed the development through their coach David Gray.

Celtic and Fiorentina have shown interest in Miguel Chaiwa, requesting updated information on the Hibernian player.

The 21-year-old Zambia international, under contract until 2028, is among the profiles admired by both sides to strengthen their midfield. pic.twitter.com/15NDeoY1f8

— Celtic FC News Room (@cfcnewsroom) January 9, 2026

Edinburgh News quoted the coach advising Chaiwa to focus on the job with Hibs to avoid distractions amid interest from Celtic FC.

Chaiwa: The star midfielder

“So, I’m not surprised there’s interest,” Gray said “I’m not surprised there’s speculation.”

He added: “But the biggest thing for him is he keeps his head down, keeps working hard, which he does do, because he knows he’s got a lot of things to still work on, which we are doing. He’s enjoying a run in the team, which is the most important thing for him.”

The former Young Boys player signed for the Scottish Premiership team on a three-year contract last August.

The arrival of the Zambian at the club has been impactful as he commands the midfield. Gray particularly praised the energy of the 21-year-old.

“His energy and his enthusiasm to get after the ball is excellent,” said the coach. “But even when he’s on it, I think there’s still a lot to come with Miguel.”

Areas of improvement for Zambian

The Hibs coach has since highlighted the areas Chaiwa needs to improve before he takes the next career step.

“I think he’s improving all the time. I think quickly getting up to speed with intensity and physicality in the Scottish game, which suits him because he’s got the attributes, there’s still a lot more to come,” added the coach.

“He’s still a young boy. He’s still working hard on his game and improving his game, but for the attributes and main reasons why you want to try and bring someone like that to a football club is he’s got attributes that really can be showcased in Scottish football.

“Going toe-to-toe with people, physicality, running over the top of people, you can see that in the games he’s played in. And there’s still a lot of areas to improve on him as well.”

Announcing his arrival at Hibs

Chaiwa announced his arrival at Hibs by scoring against Legia Warsaw in the Polish capital, forcing the UEFA Conference League play-off into extra time.

Coming off the bench, the Zambian was outstanding during the match despite that his side was eventually eliminated 5-4 on aggregate after extra time.

The midfielder is among up-and-coming players for the Zambia national team which has of late fallen on hard times barely recognisable from the side that won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title.