Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s Champions League waiting game | OneFootball

The pursuit of Michel-Ange Balikwisha has possibly generated more column inches than any other Celtic transfer story this summer — and even stretching back into last season.

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)

The Royal Antwerp attacker has given plenty of signs that he’s interested in the move, from his social media activity to his agent’s comments all but confirming his client’s desire to join Celtic.

That same agent, however, also confirmed there have been no negotiations between the clubs. Adding to the intrigue, Antwerp sporting director Marc Overmars openly stated his club were seeking early sales in this window, with their own recruitment dependent on moving players out quickly.

On paper, the conditions for a swift transfer looked almost ideal. Yet months later, no deal is done.

An interesting twist has now emerged from Irish journalist and author Phil Mac Giolla Bháin.

In his latest article, he suggests Balikwisha may be waiting to see whether Celtic qualify for the Champions League before committing to a move away from Belgium. If true, it’s an insight that could explain why a seemingly straightforward deal has dragged on and underlines the importance of Champions League football when trying to attract top targets.

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)

Phil’s piece also takes aim at the wider pattern of Celtic’s transfer business. He criticises what he calls a “Dissociation Lowball” strategy. Identifying players, then making uncompetitive bids that stall negotiations and risk losing out entirely.

He argues that despite healthy finances, the board’s risk-averse approach repeatedly delays key signings, leaving the manager without the reinforcements he needs when it matters most and puts that strategy firmly at the door of Dermot Desmond.

For Brendan Rodgers, the implications are pretty clear. Without swift action, Celtic’s squad may not be strong enough to ensure Champions League qualification, yet without that qualification, deals like Balikwisha’s could remain out of reach. It’s a Catch-22 that many supporters will recognise from previous windows.

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)

If Phil is correct, Balikwisha’s hesitation isn’t personal reluctance instead it’s professional calculation. The lure of Europe’s top competition can certainly influence career choices. For Celtic, that means proving they’ll be on that stage is not just a matter of prestige or finance, but a decisive factor in getting priority targets through the door.

The Balikwisha conundrum will no doubt split opinion among the support. Even before this latest information emerged, there was already debate over his suitability as a Celtic player based on talent alone.

Now, that discussion expands to include a more personal question, does he truly want to join Celtic, or is it understandable that he only wants to join a Celtic side competing in the Champions League?

We don’t have to look far in Scottish football to find examples of players who raise their game when the eyes of Europe are upon them, but struggle to show the same desire away to Motherwell or at home to Dundee.

That said, Celtic have generally fared better than some when it comes to recruiting players with the right character. You’d hope the same level of due diligence has been applied to Balikwisha.

Still, for some supporters, alarm bells will be ringing. And in the minds of those fans today, one word may be echoing louder than most – commitment.

Niall J

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