Celtic’s pursuit of Michel-Ange Balikwisha has developed into something of a transfer saga, as Brendan Rodgers looks to improve on his squad ahead of the new season.
With Brendan Rodgers in desperate need of reinforcements in the wide areas following the departure of Nicolas Kuhn to Como, the Belgian has become a top priority at Celtic Park.
Factoring in the recent outgoings of Luis Palma and Marco Tilio to Lech Poznan and Rapid Vienna respectively, as well as the long-term injury absence of Jota, there is an expectation that a winger will arrive sooner rather than later at Celtic.
But with pre-season marching on, Balikwisha’s agent has now made an admission which could mean that Hoops fans will need to keep waiting for their big signing.
Agent claims there has been no Celtic approach for Michel-Ange Balikwisha
Despite reports suggesting that the Scottish champions have been circling around the Royal Antwerp man for several months, agent Jibril Rekkab says his client is still waiting for talks.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Rekkab said: “Michel-Ange is not closed to the idea of joining Celtic, but the club would still have to come forward. No discussions are underway.”
With the Hoops’ opening Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen now less than a fortnight away, the news is a blow for Brendan Rodgers’ hopes of having a full squad in place for the season curtain-raiser.
Kieran Tierney, Benjamin Nygren and Shin Yamada headline the Celts’ list of summer arrivals so far, but fans will understandably be frustrated at their drawn-out links with Balikwisha.
Despite missing over half of Antwerp’s league action last season due to a serious knee injury, the 24-year-old would bring impressive European experience and pedigree to an already strong Celtic squad.
Brendan Rodgers ready to spend big
With money also flowing into Parkhead through the exits of Alexandro Bernabei, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki as well as the club’s sell-on percentage of Jeremie Frimpong’s move to Liverpool, the cash is there to be spent.
Despite already securing two strikers in the shape of Yamada and 19-year-old Callum Osmand, Brendan Rodgers has put on record his desire for a high-profile Kyogo Furuhashi replacement.
Centre-back is another area expected to be targeted, though Auston Trusty’s impressive display in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Newcastle may come into the Hoops boss’ thinking.
With Balikwisha a long-term target, he would be anticipated to make an instant impact instead of being seen as a ‘project’ signing like some others.
For Rodgers and the Parkhead faithful, the hope will be that club chiefs can pull the trigger on the Belgian’s arrival before it’s too late.