Michel-Ange Balikwisha is perhaps a name Celtic fans will remember from the summer of 2024.
The Hoops entered into discussions with the Royal Antwerp attacker’s representatives in July but no deal came to light.
Jota returned to Celtic Park in January but with Nicolas Kuhn’s form taking a dip and others seemingly out of favour, you can’t rule out the possibility of Brendan Rodgers looking for more options to bolster his squad out wide.
Celtic made approach for Michel-Ange Balikwisha in 2024
As quoted by freelance journalist Mark Walker, Balikwisha admitted: “Without those injuries I have had this season, I probably wouldn’t be at Antwerp anymore.
“I suffered a meniscus injury in the 2024 winter transfer window. And last summer, Celtic, Lille and Lens came knocking and I was out again at a bad time.
“I don’t know whether I will leave this summer. The chairman and Marc Overmars will be in charge of that in the coming weeks. How I end the play-offs will determine a lot.
“If I continue on this path with the way I am playing, things can go quickly. And if it turns out tomorrow that my Antwerp story is coming to an end, then I hope to sign elsewhere in time, so that I can play a farewell match for the fans.”
Michel-Ange Balikwisha would fit into Brendan Rodgers’ transfer plans
It’s quite clear that Rodgers wants attacking options in the summer and Balikwisha would certainly fit that criteria.
Luke McCowan played in an unorthodox false nine role in the Celts’ win against Kilmarnock after Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda had been withdrawn, leaving the Bhoys with no recognised striker on the pitch.
Whether the Antwerp star comes back into consideration is another thing, but it’s going to be a busy summer at Parkhead.
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