Ignore deadlock, stalled stories, Belgian source confirms Balikwisha deal progressing well | OneFootball

Celtic have been heavily rumoured to be keen to sign Antwerp’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha, both in previous transfer windows and again in this summer window. It’s also a story we’ve kept across on The Celtic Star over the last few weeks…

Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Arbnor Muja of Royal Antwerp look on prior to the UEFA Champions League match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp at Volksparkstadion on November 28, 2023 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

However there have been further reports today however claiming the Belgian Under 21 international’s move to the Hoops could be in jeopardy, with first the Daily Record then Celts Are Here both claiming Belgian publication Voetbal Primeur had suggested talks between Celtic and Antwerp had ‘reached a deadlock’ or ‘stalled’ regarding the £5.1m asking price for the player.

‘Michel-Ange Balikwisha has also been linked with a switch from Royal Antwerp – with reports in Belgium suggesting the 24-year-old is keen to make the move.

However, Voetbal Primeur claim that talks have reached a deadlock over the £5.1m asking price Antwerp have placed on Balikwisha.’

Michel-Ange Balikwisha during the Belgian “Pro League” First Division football match between Royal Antwerp FC and Royal Union Saint-Gilloise at Bosuil-Stadium in Antwerp on March 17, 2024. (Photo by KRISTOF VAN ACCOM/BELGA/AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile Celts Are Here proclaim ‘Report: Michel-Ange Balikwisha Celtic Talks Stall’

Our fellow fan media site added:

‘Celtic’s pursuit of Michel-Ange Balikwisha has reportedly hit a stumbling block, with Belgian outlet Voetbal Primeur reporting that negotiations have stalled over Royal Antwerp’s £5.1 million asking price.” They like this to an order article of their own on the possible transfer.’

I’m not sure where the Record and indeed Celts Are Here are getting this information from, as having had a good look at the Belgian sports news site they reference, I can’t see any article where a breakdown in negotiations has reported to have taken place.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp is tackled by Jules Kounde of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between FC Barcelona and Royal Antwerp at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on September 19, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

With the Record nor Celts Are Here failing to produce any quotes on the matter, it may well be something was lost in translation, or perhaps it was altogether made up, like Daily Record’s Reo Hatate transfer speculation story earlier in the week, as pointed out on The Celtic Star.

Come on, do better…like this

However, there is an article on the same Voetbal Primeur site – a news aggregate site similar to CelticNewsNow – which indicates the transfer may well be progressing well, and quoting transfer journalist Ekrem Konur as their source (at least it’s a source).

Which possibly seems a bit more informative. We can only speculate.

‘According to transfer expert Ekrem Konur, Celtic is conducting far-reaching negotiations with Antwerp about the arrival of Michel-Ange Balikwisha. The Scottish champion wants to bring in the 24-year-old winger this summer.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp is tackled by Jules Kounde of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Group H match between FC Barcelona and Royal Antwerp at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on September 19, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

‘Celtic sees Balikwisha as the ideal reinforcement after the injury to Jota and the new role for Daizen Maeda in the centre of attack. Balikwisha has been on the wish list of the Glasgow club for some time and has been mentioned several times in the past as a possible acquisition.

‘Earlier this week, Footy Insider reported that Celtic would be willing to pay up to six million euros for the Red Devil. Journalist Sacha Tavolieri also spoke about the interest. Celtic coach Brendan Rodgers is said to be personally behind the deal and sees in Balikwisha the type of player he needs.

‘The transfer would also depend on the possible departure of Nicolas Kühn, who is linked to RB Leipzig.’

Now we can take some or all of that with a pinch of salt but at least there is a source and there is nothing anywhere to suggest anything has stalled or hit a stumbling block. Talks are merely ongoing. Nothing has been finalised but nothing has stalled, nor are there any roadblocks worthy of their stories.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp takes a shot whilst under pressure from Jules Kounde of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Barcelona and Royal Antwerp at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on September 19, 2023 in Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

So it seems therefore, whether the Record article was lost in translation or the re-write affected by that pesky Ai software of theirs (they actually have their own you know) just making up facts. if they have referenced the wrong source, or perhaps something that they may be better explaining themselves, this deal hasn’t yet hit the kind of roadblock that the Record is reporting or stalled as Celts Are Here are stating, swallowing the negative Celtic spin.

Look this deal may yet not happen, but on the other hand it very well might do, but at this juncture it still appears to be at the negotiation stage, rather than having stalled, or hitting a roadblock. The player seems keen on a move to Celtic and all indications are positive. Yes, it’s not over until we get confirmation from Fabrizio Romano or even, like in years gone by, the clubs but this negative spin is nonsense.

We’re certainly not buying it. Enjoy your evening folks.

Niall J