Rumoured Celtic Target Sparks Speculation with Airport Post

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·12 de junho de 2025

Rumoured Celtic Target Sparks Speculation with Airport Post

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has reignited transfer speculation after sharing a cryptic Instagram post from Nice Airport, just days after reports linked the Belgian winger with a move to Celtic resurfaced.

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)

The 23-year-old Royal Antwerp attacker is believed to be back on Celtic’s radar, with negotiations over personal terms reportedly underway. The Scottish champions have admired Balikwisha for some time, having previously shown interest in the forward during last year’s summer transfer window.

Vídeos OneFootball

While his 2024/25 campaign was disrupted by injury, Balikwisha still managed to contribute four goals and three assists in just 17 appearances for Antwerp. His creativity and versatility on the flanks remain attractive traits for Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who is expected to strengthen his attacking options ahead of a demanding season, both domestically and in Europe.

Posting on his Instagram story with the message “Here we go again” tagged at Nice Airport, Balikwisha has further fueled rumours of a potential exit. Though he did not mention any destination, the timing of the post has caught the attention of Celtic supporters hoping for multiple quality signings this summer.

In a candid interview with Belgian media earlier this year, Balikwisha admitted that injuries have hampered his ability to make a move sooner. He revealed that both Celtic and Ligue 1 sides, Lille and Lens, had expressed interest in the past, but injuries at crucial moments had stalled any progress.

The winger was also reflective about his future, hinting that a departure from Antwerp is possible this summer, depending on talks with club officials, including sporting director Marc Overmars. Balikwisha also expressed a desire to leave on the right terms, if a transfer does materialise.

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)

Celtic are expected to be active in the market over the coming weeks, with Champions League qualification and squad depth high on the agenda. A fit and in-form Balikwisha could offer Rodgers a dynamic wide option, capable of unlocking defences and providing consistent goal contributions. Whether his post signals a move to Glasgow or simply summer travel remains unclear, but the signs suggest that Balikwisha’s time in Belgium could be nearing its end.

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