'Celtic must accelerate Calvin Stengs bid as Leicester talks begin'
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Credit: Imago/Feyenoord FC
Chris Smith
Mon 25 August 2025 19:39, UK
Celtic face the prospect of missing out on the signing of winger Calvin Stengs, unless they step up their interest.
The Hoops have been heavily linked with the Netherlands international, with Feyenoord understood to be happy to sell him this summer after a drop in form over the last 12 months.
However, Celtic have been delaying their push for Stengs until after the outcome of their Champions League playoff match against FC Kairat, with Brendan Rodgers’ men locked at 0-0 ahead of Tuesday’s second leg.
But following the latest update from Rodgers’ former club Leicester, Celtic may feel like strengthening their position.
Calvin Stengs is in demand (Credit: Imago)
As reported by Football Insider, Stengs is available for a cut-price deal this summer, which is tempting Celtic to go through with his signing.
However, the Glasgow giants now face competition from Championship side Leicester, who have already entered talks with Feyenoord, according to Sky Sports [August 25].
Feyenoord statsCalvin StengsAppearances59Goals9Assists21Trophies2Calvin Stengs’ Feyenoord career stats
Leicester have endured a difficult summer, with the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Mads Hermansen, James Justin and Kasey McAteer leaving the King Power Stadium.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
What’s more, there’s no guarantee the Foxes will keep hold of Abdul Fatawu or Bilal El Khannouss — which would leave them extremely short on the wing.
Serie A side Pisa are also interested in Stengs, but given how urgent Leicester’s need seems to be, Celtic will have to move up a gear in their pursuit to avoid disappointment.
Celtic have another winger target in Michel-Ange Balikwisha (Credit: Imago)
Football Insider verdict
Losing out on Stengs would undoubtedly be disappointing for Celtic fans, given his excellent 2023/24 record of eight goals and 17 assists in 44 appearances.
However, the blow will surely be softened by the fact that they look set to complete a deal for dynamic Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha.
Balikwisha brings the explosive pace and direct goal threat that Brendan Rodgers craves out wide, with the 24-year-old very much a classic winger who loves to take on defenders and get shots on goal.
His record of 30 goals and 17 assists in 145 Antwerp appearances suggests he could be a formidable addition to Scottish football.
What’s more, his arrival could allow Rodgers to fully unleash Daizen Maeda as a striker following his excellent record in that position last season.
Securing Balikwisha — who was left out of Antwerp’s squad at the weekend — means the disappointment of missing out on Stengs would be short-lived for the Hoops, who have already taken a commanding position in the Scottish Premiership title race following Rangers’ early-season struggles.
Related Posts