Michel-Ange Balikwisha

So he'll be back for CL matchday 2

 

Good idea. We can manage for eights weeks without him.
Do we get a three month warranty with him too

 

Maybe they'll accept our bid now!

In all seriousness if he's prone to muscle injuries then maybe it's better to avoid him

 

* sake. Another excuse for some to use, even though we probably weren’t getting him anyway

 

Michel-Ange Balikwisha could yet join Celtic in January, according to his club's CEO.

The Royal Antwerp winger was linked with a move to the Premiership champions in the summer as Brendan Rodgers looked to splash the cash and strengthen his wide options for a tilt at the Champions League knockout stage. Injury meant a move never materialised and the Hoops focused on other areas, bringing in compatriot Arne Engels for a club record fee as well as Dundee captain Luke McCowan on deadline day.

But Antwerp supremo Sven Jaecques has left the door open to a January switch. He confirmed that Celtic and Ligue 1 outfit Rennes - who eventually signed a wide man in the shape of former Celtic favourite Jota - were both in talks over a deal for Balikwisha. And he hasn't ruled out letting the 23-year-old leave in the winter window should Celts return to the negotiating table


Well, Balikwisha was down with an injury, so we knew it was going to be difficult,” he told Gazet van Antwerpen. "Two clubs [Celtic and Rennes] kept negotiating to possibly still bring him in, but in the meantime, we know that such clubs will rather focus on January anyway. He must now return as soon and fit as possible and then we will see what happens.”

 

Good sign if Jota was Rennes back-up choice.

 

I definitely think we'll go back in for him.

 

@Belgian_lad what's the deal with this guy got a minor knock 4 months ago? Was all set to sign here then injured

 

He's a baller.
I'm sure we will be back in for him in January.

Does anybody know if he is cup tied for the Champions League ?.

 

He hasn't played a game mate since 1 day season and they aren't in UCL

 

Good to hear mate on that score.

Even better.

 

Aye 4 months out with a minor knock ain't minor lol

 

Muscle tear. They can take a long while to heal properly, then rehabilitation.
Estimated to be out for 6 to 8 weeks!
Must be about healed by now. Provided not rushed back too soon.

 

This is a player I was hoping we'd get in the summer. Hopefully back in for him in January

 

Palma out for £3m, Yang out for £1.5m and this guy in for £7m.

Do it, Peter.

 

But even if we sign in January he can't play in the 2 group games in January as the squad is picked.

 

Michel-Ange Balikwisha is reported to be a January transfer target for Celtic.

The Antwerp winger was linked with a move in the summer but Celtic left it late to do business with three players signed on Deadline Day, a few days after the loan deal to bring in Alex Valle. Balikwisha also picked up an injury.

Despite being in a very strong position domestically, Brendan Rodgers will be keen to maintain momentum by adding to the quality of his squad


January signings won’t be able to play in the two remaining Champions League group matches but needing a home win over YB Bern on January,Celtic are in a strong position to extend their Champions League campaign into February.

A two legged play-off for a lucrative place in the Last 16 is up for grabs with Stephen McGowan of the Daily Mail outlining the case for Balikwisha.

By all accounts, Michel-Ange Balikwisha knows a thing or two about timing his runs to perfection


With the transfer window set to open in a couple of weeks, the Antwerp player may also have timed his comeback from injury to perfection amid ongoing interest from Celtic.

The 23-year-old, whose preferred position is on the left wing, was high on Brendan Rodgers’ wish list last summer until a serious muscle injury sidelined him for several months.

‘Two clubs (Celtic and Rennes) kept negotiating to possibly still bring him in,’ Antwerp CEO Sven Jaecques recently confirmed.


But, in the meantime, we know that such clubs will rather focus on January anyway.

‘He must now return as soon and as fit as possible and then we will see what happens.’

That return happened last week against Charleroi. The former Belgian Under-21 international showed no ill-effects and he appears to be back in the shop window


With a price tag of £5million on his back and his contract expiring in 2026, Antwerp will be keen to do business again. Balikwisha ticks every box from Celtic’s perspective

 

Always thought we would go back in for him providing he got over the injury before the window reopens.

Pretty sure there were reports at the time that he had spoken with Rodgers so must of been pretty far down the line before the injury

 

Muscle injury. Gives me the fear. Bring him home

 

Would give the same level of threat/anticipation as Kuhn does when he receives it to feet out wide. To have a similar threat on both wings would be superb. Maeda is incredible at pressing and pounces in transitions normally, whereas this guy would give us a more consistent threat when we have sustained possession (as we often do ).