Celtic’s long-standing interest in Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha could reignite this summer, with the Belgian club reportedly preparing to cash in on the 24-year-old attacker.
According to Voetbal Primeur, Antwerp are bracing for the departure of Balikwisha as they aim to raise up to €30million (£25million) to ease financial pressures. Although the club will undoubtedly struggle to command a fee that high for the winger, whose current valuation stands closer to £6million, interest from the Hoops could potentially return.
Balikwisha, who joined Antwerp from Standard Liège in 2021, is entering the final 12 months of his contract, increasing the likelihood of a move. He finished the campaign strongly, notching two goals and two assists in his last five appearances. Despite missing a significant chunk of the season — 29 matches — through injury, he ended with four goals and three assists in 17 games across all competitions.
Celtic were previously linked with Balikwisha in July 2024 and reportedly opened talks with his representatives. A deal did not materialise at that time, and the player stayed put in January as he focused on regaining full fitness. However, recent developments suggest a transfer may now be more likely.
Social media activity has only added fuel to the fire. After Antwerp’s 3-0 win over Gent, Balikwisha posted match photos to Instagram, where Celtic supporters were quick to engage. The winger liked a comment featuring a four-leaf clover and eye emojis — a clear nod to the Scottish champions — followed by another post referencing a potential move to Glasgow. While hardly conclusive, such hints tend to increase the rumour mill among supporters.
Balikwisha would add depth and creativity to Celtic’s wide options. With Yang Hyun-jun failing to impress consistently, Daizen Maeda’s future up in the air, and Nicolas Kuhn out of form, a fit-again Balikwisha could offer Brendan Rodgers another dynamic option out wide — especially with Jota reportedly set to miss the first half of next season.
The summer transfer window opens with key areas to address, and a new winger will near the top of the list given the current lack of depth, the opportunity to land a long-time target at a cut price may prove too good to pass up.
