Celtic agree deal for exciting new winger - but he might not arrive in Glasgow

Robin Bairner

Updated: 20 Aug 2025 07:38 CDT
2 min read

Celtic have been told that signing long-term target Mickel-Ange Balikwisha from Royal Antwerp is no guarantee, despite the Scottish hampions having already pencilled in a medical for the winger.

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Brendan Rodgers’ side, who meet Kairat in the first leg of a Champions League play-off on Wednesday, are crying out for another winger and thought they had found the solution in the form of Balikwisha.

They have yet to replace Nicolas Kuhn, who signed for FC Como, while veteran James Forrest and the inconsistent Yang Hyun-jun don't present long-term options for the wide positions.

However, transfer insider Sacha Tavolieri suggests that signing the attacker might be more complicated than they first feared.

Tavolieri reports on X: “Michel Ange Balikwisha’s situation at Celtic FC is complicated. The Scottish club has reached an agreement in principle with Royal Antwerp FC for the Belgian’s departure. A medical had even been scheduled, but internal issues related to the player’s situation are still preventing the finalisation of the deal.”

More Balikwisha frustration for Celtic?

Balikwisha was previously close to joining Celtic last summer, yet a move to Glasgow broke down after he sustained an injury.

He would go on to play 16 Jupiler Pro League matches for Antwerp last season, during which he returned to score four goals and generated a further three assists in 16 appearances. He already has one strike in four outings this season.

Antwerp are not allowing him to depart easily. Celtic had multiple bids knocked back as the Belgian side as clung to a valuation around the €6 million mark.

Earlier in his career, Balikwisha had an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of $18.9m yet he has struggled to live up to his early billing and has seen this drop back to a current level of $5.95m.

Celtic had turned their attention to the 24-year-old after failing to strike a deal with Go Ahead Eagles for Jakob Breum, who was regarded as their top priority out wide.

Now with the Balikwisha deal seemingly in the balance, Rodgers may need to find a Plan C.

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