(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 15 August 2025 16:00, UK

Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha is keen to join Celtic this summer amid growing interest in his signature late in the window.

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Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 24-year-old

The winger came “very close” to joining Brendan Rodgers’ side last summer before an untimely injury saw the move fall through, although the interest has lingered.

Football Insider exclusively revealed in June that Celtic are well-placed to sign Balikwisha after being given encouragement by Antwerp’s financial issues.

A move in January had emerged as a possibility, but they opted not to pursue it so soon after his return to fitness, but that opportunity has now risen again.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on 13 August that Celtic are working on signing a winger alongside a new centre-back and striker before the window closes.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha has been heavily linked with a move to Celtic.

(Credit: Imago)

Football Insider revealed in December that Celtic could reignite their interest in Balikwisha and scouts have been keeping a close eye on his progress this season.

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While they are also pursuing other targets, negotiations are believed to have taken place with Antwerp after the clubs’ discussions last summer.

O’Rourke explained that the winger is keen to play Champions League football at Parkhead and a deal remains very much on the cards for Celtic.

“They were close to signing Balikwisha last summer,” he told Football Insider.

“An injury he picked up in a game for Royal Antwerp put paid to that move, and then Celtic had to look elsewhere in the transfer market.

“Celtic know all about him, they’ve done an extensive scouting job on him over the last 12 months at least and he’s definitely still on their radar.

“Maybe they could reignite their interest in Balikwisha.

Brendan Rodgers is keen to strengthen his Celtic squad.

(Credit: Imago)

“The player himself is interested in the move away from Antwerp to Celtic.

“The opportunity to play Champions League football is very appealing to him in that respect, so there’s no doubt there’s a deal to be done.

“It came very close to happening last summer before that injury.

“There have been negotiations between the two clubs as there were last summer, so if they don’t land their other targets, Balikwisha could be an alternative.”

Alongside the addition of a new winger, Rodgers’ side have also been exploring the possibility of a deal for West Ham midfielder Andy Irving this summer.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 15 August that Celtic could sign Irving “next week” as they push to reach an agreement.

Celtic are interested in West Ham’s Andy Irving.

(Credit: Imago)

The one-cap Scotland international has attracted interest from a number of Scottish clubs this summer, amid a growing feeling that he will leave West Ham.

This comes as former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Celtic will step up their chase for Irving as they aim to strengthen their midfield this summer.

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