Why Celtic’s transfer push for Michel-Ange Balikwisha has ‘slowed down’ amid Nicolas Kuhn rumours

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There could be a lot of changes out wide for Celtic ahead of the new Premiership season.

Nicolas Kuhn was outstanding for Celtic during the first part of last season, but then his form dipped off and he found himself in and out of Brendan Rodgers’ XI.

Now there are suggestions that Kuhn could leave this summer, with several wide players lined up by the champions of Scotland.

Many would have seen or heard that Benjamin Nygren is heading to Celtic, but another man on the list is Royal Antwerp star, Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

Even with Kuhn on board, Celtic still need to enhance their wide areas, especially with Daizen Maeda playing up top and the long-term injury to Jota.

But Celtic’s move for Balikwisha has hit a stumbling block.

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Why Celtic’s transfer push for Michel-Ange Balikwisha has ‘slowed down’

The 2025 summer transfer window officially opened on June 16, and Celtic already have two men through the door – Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan.

As reported by Sacha Tavolieri on social media, the Hoops haven’t forgotten about Balikwisha, but ‘several internal factors’, from the Celtic side, have ‘slowed down the deal’.

The Belgian reporter added that both Celtic and the player are still ‘keen’ to see the deal through, but Antwerp want a tad over £5 million for his talents.

‘Celtic FC has not forgotten Michel-Ange Balikwisha,’ wrote Tavolieri.

‘Several internal factors on the part of the Scottish club’s management have slowed down the deal, but both the Green and Whites and the player are keen to see it go through.

“Royal Antwerp FC is asking for €6 million (£5.1 million) to reach an agreement.”

Are Celtic right to let Nicolas Kuhn go?

Time and time again, Celtic have proven that if you put the money on the table, then they are open to selling their top stars.

Even though Kuhn has only been in Glasgow for 18 months, it seems as though his time is coming to an end.

The Celtic Park faithful have seen the best of both worlds with the German star. The one who struggled when he first arrived, before ripping everyone apart and proving to be the best player in Scotland.

To the one who struggled in 2025 but still managed to score 21 goals and supply 15 assists during the recently concluded campaign.