CELTIC have been urged to step up the pace in their interest in Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
The 24-year-old Belgian forward has been on Brendan Rodgers’ radar for A YEAR, as CQN reported in July 2024. The proposed move stalled after the player suffered a muscle tear that kept him sidelined for months.
The initial quote for Balikwisha was £5million, but it has been reported in Belgium the club could lower that asking fee.
The financially-stricken side are ready to offload their star men this summer and it appears inevitable Balikwisha will be among those quitting Antwerp, who will want to cash in on the flanker before his contract expires in 12 months’ time.
SALUTE…Michel-Ange Balikwisha celebrates a goal for Royal Antwerp.
The former Under-21 international ace’s Jibril Rekkab insisted the way is clear for the Hoops to make their move, and speaking to the Daily Record, admitted: “Michel-Ange is not closed to the idea of joining Celtic.
“But the club would still have to come forward. No discussions are underway.”
There is still over a month pf the transfer window to run, but Rodgers understandably is attempting to put his first-team squad jigsaw together as swiftly as possible.
Nicolas Kuhn, scorer of 21 goals last term, has already moved to Serie A Como in a £17.2million switch while Honduran winger Luis Palma has agreed a season-long loan at Polish outfit Lech Poznan.
Another wide Bhoy on the move is Australian international Marco Tilio who is heading for Austrian club Rapid Vienna. The switch will see the former Melbourne City star join on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for around £1.5 million.
