Celtic’s move for Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha has hit a bump, but there’s still confidence a deal can be pushed through in the coming days.
However, negotiations over personal terms have slowed progress, with Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reporting that talks between the player’s representatives and the Parkhead club are yet to reach a final agreement.
Despite the setback, there’s no suggestion the deal is dead. With Antwerp announcing the arrival of Marwan El Sahafi this afternoon, a like-for-like replacement for Balikwisha, all signs point towards the Belgian club preparing for his departure. That move puts added momentum behind Celtic’s efforts to wrap up the transfer.
Balikwisha, who has made over 140 appearances for Antwerp, remains a key target for Brendan Rodgers. The Irishman is keen to strengthen his forward line, and with the season already underway and signings thin on the ground, the urgency is growing inside Celtic Park to get this one over the line.
While Balikwisha’s recent muscle injury record had been a concern earlier in talks, those issues now appear secondary to finalising terms that suit both the club and player. Reports suggest the discussions have not broken down entirely, and the expectation remains that an agreement can be reached with some movement on either side.
Balikwisha’s pace, directness, and versatility across the front three are exactly the sort of attributes Rodgers is looking for, especially as the team faces a congested fixture list and the demands of European football.
With the transfer window closing in just over a week, the deal now hinges on ironing out the final details. Celtic have left themselves with work to do in the market, and with Antwerp having already moved on, there’s every chance this one is brought to a conclusion sooner rather than later.
