Celtic’s forward line is probably going to be the main topic of discussion this summer.
Not just because attacking players always seem to steal the headlines, but because of what Brendan Rodgers has at his disposal and who he can bring in during the 2025 summer transfer window.
You have got the PFA Player of the Year, Daizen Maeda, attracting interest, along with the all-action Nicolas Kuhn.
Then you have the situation of Jota’s long-term injury, which has put Celtic in a bit of a pickle, because they now need to go out and cover that position.
Like every fan base, the Celtic supporters want deals done as quickly as possible, and they are getting rather frustrated with the situation involving Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
Celtic fans express frustrations as Michel-Ange Balikwisha transfer update emerges
Balikwisha is that left-sided winger that can help ease Rodgers’ headache, but the transfer is rumbling on, and on and on.
The latest transfer update, which emerged on Wednesday, suggested that Balikwisha is keen on a move to Celtic.
But talks with Royal Antwerp are ‘still underway’, and it’s frustrating the fans on social media because they aren’t happy that the club aren’t getting this drawn-out deal concluded.
@OE_67 was clear on what Celtic should do: ‘If he’s up for it, bring him in.’
@THE_ADZ_PLAYS thinks otherwise: ‘Celtic should be signing better.’
Another unhappy fans, as @hotbaws1 added: ‘Shock. Of all the wingers we are linked with, we pursue the worst. Brendan’s snobbery at work.’
@StenFluffman doesn’t like how the transfer saga around Balikwisha has been rumbling on: ‘How many windows have we been discussing this player? We must know what the club and player want by now. Either make a suitable offer or move on.’
@CelticAnalytico can see a deal being done before pre-season: ‘Another deal that will hopefully be done before pre season.’
@p____67 expresses his frustrations: ‘Celtic just love talking to players for weeks, until the parting with money comes, and then the problems start. Pay the money. Get him in.’
@Smc___1888 also added: ‘Must be a long talk.’
@StaceyDevlinx continued with the theme about how Celtic let things ‘drag on’: ‘My problem with this statement is that we still try to drag out agreements instead of just paying the value, either pay what they want or move on. We don’t have time to constantly try drag or haggle over transfers.’
@KevinTwist67 is hopeful: ‘Hopefully the deal is done soon as this has been 2 years of rumours. Needs preferably before pre season & especially before qualifiers.’
@Kevin_19_67 wants another player, alongside Balikwisha: ‘Hopefully we get him and Sondre Orjasaeter.’
Balikwisha stats for Royal Antwerp
Balikwisha came through the ranks at Anderlecht and Standard Liege, including playing 40 matches for the latter, before joining Antwerp in 2021.
But with Antwerp missing out on Europe during the recently concluded season, this is Celtic’s chance to pounce on a player who can also play attacking midfield and netted four times last term.
| Games | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
| 18 | 1,244 | 4 | 3 |
But it needs to be noted that Balikwisha’s season was disrupted by several muscle injuries that saw him only play three times in 2024.
Hopefully, if he does join Celtic, then all of those injury troubles are behind him.
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