Celtic Target Has Summer Transfer All But Ruled Out

Michel-Ange Balikwisha hopes of a summer move have been all but ruled out over the weekend.

Sacha Tavolieri, a journalist who has been following the potential transfer very closely, shared an update indicating that Balikwisha has encountered an injury issue that is more serious than initially anticipated. This development could potentially sideline the Royal Antwerp winger for a considerable period, thereby dampening the prospect of a summer move to Celtic.

🔴⚪️ Infos #RAFC :
🇧🇪 Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s injury seems worse than expected. The possibility of a transfer this summer appears to be fading… Wait&See. #mercato #JPL pic.twitter.com/MlAqdqmk26

— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 5, 2024

Despite the enthusiasm and a direct phone conversation between Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Balikwisha, negotiations had already been strained due to Antwerp’s high valuation of the player.

Given the new concerns about Balikwisha’s fitness, combined with the already high financial demands, the likelihood of this transfer proceeding has diminished significantly. Tavolieri’s revelation about the injury adds another layer of complexity, potentially deterring Celtic from pursuing this signing further this summer.

Celtic will now look to other targets in the wings, you’d imagine.