Miguel Chaiwa still remains available to Celtic after Sunderland completed a move for another midfield target ahead of the Hibernian star.
CeltsAreHere understands the Premier League side had Chaiwa as their second choice for the holding midfield position, with Jules Ahoka their preferred target.
Celtic target Chaiwa
3rd May 2026; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Miguel Chaiwa of Hibernian and Alasana Manneh of Hibernian
Sunderland have officially completed the signing of Ahoka from Royal Antwerp, removing one potential move for Chaiwa before the summer transfer window closes.
✍️ Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Jules Ahoka.
The 20-year-old Congolese midfielder arrives on a long-term contract from Royal Antwerp 🇨🇩
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 24, 2026
That does, however, leave the door open for Celtic should they decide to return for the 22-year-old defensive midfielder.
CeltsAreHere has tracked the Hoops’ interest in Chaiwa since the spring, revealing that talks between Celtic and Hibs took place in January before further contact later in the season.
The main issue throughout is believed to have been the valuation.
CeltsAreHere previously understood that a deal in the region of £4 million to £5 million could have been enough to move negotiations forward, despite higher figures being reported elsewhere.
More recently, Chaiwa’s agent, Boudjemai Youcef, told CeltsAreHere that he believed a fee of around £3 million could potentially be enough to get a deal done.
Youcef previously told CeltsAreHere: “Celtic is a big club and you don’t turn that down.
“The player wants to go there.”
Celtic’s most recent approach came towards the end of May, but no agreement was reached with Hibs.
Chaiwa had been identified as an alternative option by Régis Le Bris’ side, but with Ahoka now officially signed, that move is now off.
There is no indication that Sunderland made a formal bid for Chaiwa, and CeltsAreHere has not been told that talks took place between Sunderland and Hibs.
3rd May 2026; Easter Road, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Premiership Football, Hibernian versus Celtic; Arne Engels of Celtic challenges Miguel Chaiwa of Hibernian
Celtic still have midfield business to complete before the window shuts and have considered several options in Chaiwa’s position.
Gvidas Gineitis has been among the names strongly under consideration, while Chaiwa has remained on the radar after months of interest.
As things stand, no agreement has been reached with Hibs.
With Sunderland now moving elsewhere and Chaiwa still open to Celtic, the decision rests with the Hoops over whether they return with another attempt before the transfer deadline next Thursday.
Tees for Tims
Tees for Tims