Back in July, we covered claims from Belgium that Celtic showed interest in Michel-Ange Balikwisha. It was also stated Brendan Rodgers had a chat with the Royal Antwerp player.
Celtic weren’t able to sign the 23-year-old in the summer window. He’s still at the Jupiler Pro League side, where he has a deal lasting until 2026.
Celtic could be presented with another opportunity to secure his services, according to Friday’s edition Gazet van Antwerpen.
Royal Antwerp CEO Sven Jaecques has given a detailed interview to the newspaper, where he talked about the forward. He started in his side’s 1-0 win over Charleroi SC in July and has been sideliend with an injury since then.
Gazet van Antwerpen points out the attacker, who wanted a move, was allowed to leave. They asked the Jupiler Pro League side’s official why he ended up staying.
“Well, Balikwisha was down with an injury, so we knew it was going to be difficult,” he said.
“Two clubs [Celtic and Rennes] kept negotiating to possibly still bring him in, but in the meantime, we know that such clubs will rather focus on January anyway. He must now return as soon and fit as possible and then we will see what happens.”
Balikwisha mainly operated on the left wing last season, scoring 10 goals and registering eight assists from 44 matches in all competitions.
Adam Idah was the only new attacker to arrive at Celtic Park in the last window. Brendan Rodgers’ side could return for Balikwisha in January.
