Hibernian are determined not to repeat the mistake of selling John McGinn on the cheap, and Tam McManus believes that stance will price Celtic out of a move for Miguel Chaiwa. The former Hibs striker reckons the Easter Road club will hold out for at least £5 million for the Zambian midfielder, a fee he doubts Celtic will pay.
Chaiwa's impressive season catches Celtic's eye
McManus highlighted Chaiwa's standout performances, including being the best player on the pitch when Hibs won at Celtic Park in February. The 22-year-old joined Hibs from Young Boys for around £600,000, having previously played in the Champions League. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, along with coaches Shaun Maloney and Mark Fotheringham, are said to have scouted him.
“For me, the Zambian midfielder was superb last season,” McManus told Daily Record. “He's a proper ball-winner. Football's all about analytics these days – kilometres covered, tackles won and recoveries – and I'd imagine he'd be right at the top of the charts at Easter Road.”
Hibs learned from McGinn sale
McManus stressed that Hibs are still scarred by selling John McGinn to Aston Villa for a relatively low fee in 2018. McGinn has since become a key player for Villa and is now worth a fortune. “There's no chance they'll let that happen again,” McManus said. “I'm not sure about the £7 million being talked about but £5m is definitely in the right ballpark. Do I think Celtic will pay it? No. But somebody will.”
English clubs could swoop
McManus believes English clubs will see £5m as a bargain for a player of Chaiwa's quality. “That's a drop in the ocean for a lot of English clubs and I think he's well-equipped for the British game,” he said. Hibs would prefer to sell to England rather than strengthen a domestic rival like Celtic, a common stance among Scottish clubs.
Mulligan also attracting interest
McManus also warned that Josh Mulligan could be the next big-money exit from Easter Road. West Ham are reportedly interested in the midfielder, who suffered an injury in the second half of last season. “If he hadn't picked up that injury, I'm not sure he'd still be at Easter Road,” McManus said. “But if he starts the season well, scores a couple of goals and performs in the big games, they'll struggle to keep him.”
Hibs need reinforcements up front
With Kieron Bowie sold for £6m, David Gray needs a target man. McManus noted that Jason Kerr and Callum Wright have been the only signings so far. “Martin Boyle signing for another year is a big boost, but he's not getting any younger. Young Owen Elding looks promising and we might see more of Ante Suto this season. But I still think Hibs need a couple of strikers and another winger.”
McManus suggested Gray could switch from a 3-5-2 formation to a 4-3-3 if he strengthens the wide areas. “He's been vocal about not signing players for the sake of it. He wants genuine quality. And if Hibs do pocket £5m for Chaiwa, that could well bankroll his recruitment drive.”
