With Jota sidelined until next year, Brendan Rodgers has been short of natural options on that side of the pitch.
Daizen Maeda has often been tasked with filling the role, but his versatility means he is also required through the middle.
Balikwisha’s arrival gives Celtic another attacking option, and the Belgian can operate on both flanks, bringing pace, directness and energy to the squad.
However, questions remain about the balance of the attack. On the right wing, 34-year-old James Forrest is no longer a viable first-choice option for a full season.
With Nicolas Kühn leaving earlier in the summer and Yang Hyun-jun still linked with a move away, Celtic remain light in wide areas.
Rodgers now faces a crucial decision in reshaping his front line. While Balikwisha and Maeda can play off the right when required, the Irishman has previously stated he sees Maeda’s long-term role through the middle.
That becomes even more relevant with Adam Idah’s impending £7 million switch to Swansea City, a move expected to be finalised within the next 48 hours. Crucially, Celtic have yet to replace Kyogo Furuhashi following his January departure, leaving the squad short of proven quality through the middle.
Rodgers’ trust in Maeda as a central striker was clear when he started him in the second leg against Kairat, showing faith in the Japanese international’s ability to lead the line.
Maeda did miss a late chance to win that game, but his work rate and movement remain central to Rodgers’ system.
With Shin Yamada and Callum Osmand yet to prove they are ready for consistent first-team football, neither looks prepared to start week in, week out at this stage.
Johnny Kenny also remains a raw prospect with plenty still to learn. The Irish striker recently penned a new contract at Parkhead, but despite that show of faith from the club, his future is far from guaranteed.
Kenny has continually been linked with a move to Bolton, and speculation over a potential switch has cast doubt over whether he will be part of Rodgers’ long-term plans. Even if he stays, his development suggests he is not yet ready to shoulder the responsibility of leading the line on a regular basis.
That leaves Celtic facing a pressing need before Monday’s transfer deadline.
At a minimum, the squad requires one new winger and one new striker to ensure Rodgers has the depth needed for a long season. Realistically, two wingers and two strikers would give the manager the attacking reinforcements required to compete across all competitions.
