If a recent X post from Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri is believed to be true, Celtic have inquired about Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha ahead of a potential summer swoop. Further talks will take place in the coming days as the Hoops explore the market for a new attacking ace with flexibility across the frontline.
☘️ #CelticFC attracted by Royal #Antwerp FC’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha ! 🇧🇪
🏴 The Scottish club entered into discussions with player’s entourage to explore the possibility of a deal this summer as there’s a confirmed interest for Balikwisha’s profile.
🔴⚪️ Clubs should have a… pic.twitter.com/piSSq7NA3O
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) July 15, 2024
The 23-year-old Belgium youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Anderlecht and Standard Liege before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad in the summer of 2021. He made 40 senior appearances during the 2020-21 season and his promising stint in Liege earned him a €5m transfer to Antwerp a year later.
With 25 goals and 14 assists in 124 outings [stats via Transfermarket], Balikwisha has secured a regular role over the past three campaigns. He not only played a key role in the Reds’ double-winning (Belgian Pro League and Belgian Cup) 2022-23 season but also impressed in the Champions League by scoring a couple of goals.
BELGA PHOTO NIKOLA KRSTIC (Photo by NIKOLA KRSTIC / BELGA MAG / Belga via AFP) (Photo by NIKOLA KRSTIC/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Why He Would Be A Welcome Addition To Celtic Attack
Predominantly a left-wing forward, the youngster is also comfortable from the other flank. He has exhibited versatility as a ‘number 10’, second striker and even high up the pitch as an outright ‘number 9′. But the right-footed attacker would fit in as an inverted winger in Brendan Rodgers’ set-up, particularly after Luis Palma’s late struggles and Sead Haksabanovic’s €2m transfer to Malmo.
Celtic also have Daizen Maeda and veteran James Forrest among wide options. However, the failure of project signings like Yang Hyun-jun and Marco Tilio highlights the necessity of reinforcements before the new season kicks off. Nicolas Kühn, roped in winter from Rapid Wien, needs more time to attune to the grind, aggression and demands of the Scottish game. Moreover, the uncertainty over Mikey Johnston’s future in the wake of a blistering West Brom loan casts doubt on attacking depth as well as quality.
Rodgers inherited Ange Postecoglou’s juggernaut upon his return to Parkhead. He guided the Bhoys to defend the Scottish crown and also cinched the Scottish Cup defeating Rangers in the final fixture of the 2023-24 season. Yet he must work on re-establishing their reputation in Europe and the likely arrival of Michel-Ange Balikwisha could see a new ‘Ange’ at Lennoxtown!
