With the January transfer window fast approaching, Celtic have received a boost in their potential pursuit of Michel-Ange Balikwisha, as the talented Royal Antwerp winger has returned from injury.
After being heavily linked with a move to Parkhead in the summer, the 22-year-old’s return to fitness could reignite Brendan Rodgers’ interest as the Hoops look to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.
Despite Celtic’s commanding position at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Rodgers is determined to maintain the team’s momentum and improve the squad’s overall quality. The January window offers the perfect opportunity to fine-tune his options, especially as Celtic aim for continued domestic dominance and a strong showing in Europe.
One area of focus has been the left wing, where Daizen Maeda’s relentless work rate and pressing have been invaluable, but where Celtic often lack the finesse and final ball to unlock tight defences. Maeda’s industry cannot be questioned, but Rodgers may feel that adding a technically gifted winger with creativity and composure could provide the attacking variety needed to break down stubborn opponents.
Balikwisha, who seems like he can be that technical winger with his pace, direct running, and ability to time his attacking forays perfectly, has been sidelined by injury for the past few months. However, his recent return to action couldn’t have come at a better time. With his fitness no longer in question, the winger is once again drawing attention from clubs keen to add quality in the final third.
Celtic’s interest in the player is ongoing, say MailSport.
In September, Antwerp CEO Sven Jaecques acknowledged that Celtic, along with French side Rennes, had shown sustained interest:
“Two clubs (Celtic and Rennes) kept negotiating to possibly still bring him in.”
“But, in the meantime, we know that such clubs will rather focus on January anyway.
“He must now return as soon and as fit as possible and then we will see what happens.” [SunSport]
This statement indicated that while a deal didn’t materialise in the summer, both parties left the door open for January negotiations. Now that Balikwisha is back on the pitch, a move seems increasingly plausible.
