Michel-Ange Balikwisha one step closer to Celtic transfer as Royal Antwerp decision made

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We’re finally reaching the end of the Michel-Ange Balikwisha saga as Celtic close in on their long-time target.

Celtic were given the green light to sign Balikwisha in a £4.5m deal and it’s expected that he will be in Glasgow after the Champions League play-off second leg against Kairat Almaty.

It means that a transfer saga that has been ongoing for the best part of a year is finally coming to a close and Royal Antwerp’s latest decision suggests that the final details are in progress.

• READ MORE: Celtic target ‘expected to leave’ as transfer activity ramps up in final stages of the window

Michel-Ange Balikwisha left out of Royal Antwerp squad

Despite the constant noise around his future, the 24-year-old has still been playing for his current club.

That changed against KV Mechelen though as there was no sign of Balikwisha in the squad ahead of his Celtic move.

Balikwisha had started all four league games before Sunday’s fixture, scoring one goal in that time and barring any further stumbling blocks, looks like he won’t be featuring for the Belgian Pro League outfit again.

Royal Antwerp manager ‘surprised’ Balikwisha didn’t join Celtic earlier

This transfer story has been going on for so long that it almost felt like it was never going to happen.

Now, with Balikwisha almost a Celtic player, Antwerp manager Stef Wils admitted that he didn’t expect the winger to still be here.

He said: “I had thought beforehand that some outgoing files would be finalized more quickly, yes.

“But I’m obviously not sad that I can still count on them.”