Last updated on: June 13, 2025
In their recent X posts, transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri and Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph have shared updates on long-term Celtic targets Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sondre Ørjasæter, respectively.
🇧🇪☘️ Celtic FC back in the race for Michel-Ange Balikwisha! Interested in the Royal Antwerp FC winger since last summer, the Scottish club’s management has reconnected with Balikwisha’s camp + begun new discussions regarding personal terms. More news coming 🔜#RAFC #JPL #mercato pic.twitter.com/52TWJeAwcY
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 10, 2025
The Hoops are reportedly back in the hunt for the attacking pair, as they look to bolster their frontline in the summer window.
UPDATE: Celtic have reopened talks over a potential deal for Sarpsborg winger Sondre Ørjasæter.
It’s understood the Hoops face competition from clubs in Germany and The Netherlands for the 21-year-old, but no concrete offers are on the table as things stand.#CelticFC https://t.co/njeGpz5Pc4 pic.twitter.com/8RWCwVC7xz
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) June 10, 2025
The Hoops had a bid of around £4.6m rejected for Ørjasæter late in the winter window. Sarpsborg, his current employers, set a valuation of £7m for the 21-year-old, and Celtic are now assessing whether to return with an improved offer.
The Norwegian youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Lyn, Korsvoll, and Stryn before breaking into the latter’s senior side in the fourth division. Sogndal secured his services ahead of the 2022 season, and after a couple of impressive years in the second tier, Sarspsborg snapped up Ørjasæter for €850k in January 2024.
Balikwisha, on the other hand, has been on Celtic’s radar since last summer. But the 24-year-old former Belgium international missed months of action with a torn thigh muscle. He returned to full fitness in March and reclaimed his starting spot during Antwerp’s play-off outings. Yet he has shown his expertise with 4 goals and 3 assists in 10 appearances, thus alerting the Bhoys, who might aim for a cut-price deal, as his contract is set to expire next summer.
Why Celtic Should Opt For The Antwerp Ace
Like Ørjasæter, Balikwisha also prefers to operate from the left as an inverted winger. They can be effective from the right, but the Celts are primarily eyeing an alternative for Jota, who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in April. The Portuguese forward might not return before the next calendar year. Also, a failed loan with Olympiacos has further jeopardised Luis Palma’s revival hopes in Celtic colours.
Meanwhile, the Hoops are also eyeing a swoop for Nilson Angulo. The Ecuadorian enjoyed a breakthrough season in Belgium for Anderlecht, and it remains to be seen who Brendan Rodgers prioritises in due time. The experience and stats speak in favour of Balikwisha, unless the gaffer eyes a project signing over a proven player or tie down multiple names to add depth and quality upfront.
