Celtic reignite interest in £5 million winger who caught Brendan Rodgers’ eye in the summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will have one eye on the transfer window as the festive period stretches his pool of options.

The Bhoys are now in the thick of their schedule and only have three matches left before the New Year, which they will see out having claimed every domestic trophy available.

Transfer stories have already begun to do the rounds with the window approaching. Ajax midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic is on Celtic’s radar, but he also has interest from Serie A and the Greek top-flight.

Intriguingly, the Bhoys could land Mahamadou Diawara for half-price amid Lyon’s financial problems that have alerted the Scottish Premiership champions.

Brendan Rodgers has already claimed the first silverware of the season, but there is a real clamour for additions to add to his side’s Champions League prospects.

Now, the Irishman appears to have reignited his interest in a winger that caught the eye during the summer window.

Celtic reportedly back in for Michel-Ange Balikwisha

According to MailSport, Celtic have reignited their interest in Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha after he returned to first-team action against Charleroi following a lengthy injury layoff.

Recently, CEO Sven Jaecques spoke out on his future, stating: “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 as fit as possible and then we will see what happens.”

The 23-year-old was in outstanding form last term, registering ten goals and eight assists in 44 appearances across all competitions. Royal Antwerp have placed a £5 million price-tag on the former Belgium Under-21 international.

Celtic wanted to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha in the summer

In the summer, Rodgers spoke personally with Balikwisha about a Celtic move before it eventually broke down due to his muscle injury.

However, the Irishman is keen to revisit the scene as quality reinforcements become the priority in January.

Surprisingly, there weren’t any additions to the wide areas in the summer, but come the mid-season window, you suspect Luis Palma could be someone who looks to claim regular minutes elsewhere.

Either way, supporters will need to wait and see how this story develops. Nevertheless, it is nice to know that the club is planning ahead.