Michel-Ange Balikwisha reportedly wants out of Royal Antwerp this summer, but Celtic have not yet been able to match the fee his club are demanding.
The winger, 24, is a long-term target for Brendan Rodgers, who is pushing to strengthen his attack before Celtic’s Champions League play-off next week. The Irishman is short of options in the wide areas and sees Balikwisha as a player who could add speed, skill and a goal threat.
Balikwisha has been with Antwerp since moving from Standard Liege in 2021. In his time there, he has racked up 140 games and scored 29 goals. His direct running and ability to create chances have been key for the Belgian champions in recent seasons.
The player’s current contract runs until next summer, but reports in Belgium say he has no interest in signing a new deal. That leaves Antwerp with a decision to make, sell him now or risk losing him for nothing in a year’s time. They are looking to recoup the £4.7 million they spent to bring him in four years ago according to HLN.
Celtic’s interest is believed to be the strongest at present, but no agreement has been reached. Talks are ongoing, but Antwerp are holding firm on their asking price.
For Rodgers, time is not on his side. The Champions League play-off is just around the corner, and new signings would ideally be settled in before then. Balikwisha fits the profile he is looking for: quick, confident on the ball, and capable of playing across the front line.
Whether Celtic are prepared to raise their bid remains to be seen. With the season already under way, the coming days will determine if Balikwisha will be wearing green and white or staying put in Belgium.
