Celtic Begin Personal Terms Talks With Top Transfer Target – Report

Celtic have reignited their pursuit of Michel-Ange Balikwisha, the Belgian international winger currently at Royal Antwerp.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Group H – Shakhtar Donetsk v Royal Antwerp – Volksparkstadion, Hamburg, Germany – November 28, 2023 Royal Antwerp’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha in action with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Valeriy Bondar REUTERS/Cathrin Mueller

CeltsAreHere reported earlier this week that Balikwisha has long been on Celtic’s radar. Now those rumours have gained traction. The 22‑year‑old is under contract with Antwerp until June 2026, meaning he becomes eligible to sign a pre‑contract elsewhere in January. Antwerp, aware of this timeline, are thought to be open to letting him leave now rather than letting his contract run down.

Now, reports indicate that Celtic have been in contact with Balikwisha’s representatives this week, with talks progressing on personal terms and a potential transfer fee. A deal now feels realistic, although Antwerp’s valuation and competition for his signature will be key factors.

Elsewhere, talks have also resumed with Sarpsborg over winger Sondre Ørjasæter. The Norwegian youngster was the subject of a rejected £4.6m bid in January, and while the fee remains a sticking point, Celtic remain keen.

There’s clearly an effort from Celtic to improve in the forward areas this summer.

Kieran Tierney’s Celtic return was confirmed on Tuesday, with the left-back becoming the first official summer signing. It’s a remarkable piece of business to pull off, with a top-quality player coming into the side in the peak of his career.

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