Transfer Feed reports in the latest Celtic transfer news that fringe attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha could leave Parkhead before the window closes, although there is no firm move from the player at present. O’Neill indicated that several clubs have shown interest, yet Balikwisha has not decided that he wants to pursue an exit. That leaves Celtic in an awkward holding pattern with the 25-year-old still short of regular involvement.
The Belgian-born DR Congo international joined Celtic from Royal Antwerp on a five-year contract in August 2025. Celtic never published the fee, while contemporary reporting placed the deal around £4.5m to £5m. His first season produced limited returns. Opta records 7 Premiership appearances, 236 minutes, 0 goals and 1 assist, while FBref lists 4 Europa League appearances and 57 minutes. He made 14 appearances across all competitions, according to BBC Sport, reinforcing how little impact he made. That tension now dominates.
Celtic transfer news and O’Neill’s view
O’Neill’s January assessment gives this more substance than a poor run. He described Balikwisha as closer to a number 10 and said he was “definitely not a wide player”. That matters because Brendan Rodgers recruited him after watching him operate from the left for Antwerp, where he posted stronger numbers.
At Auchinleck Talbot in January, O’Neill handed him a start after the Africa Cup of Nations, yet Celtic won 2-0 while Balikwisha left after 68 minutes. BBC Sport judged Celtic’s display laborious, and he missed from close range. Those details don’t prove he lacks the level for Celtic, but they explain why his place became harder to defend.
Celtic transfer news and the reported interest
Celtic transfer news now links him with AC Monza, FC Basel and SV Elversberg, although the latest report does not establish a completed negotiation. Monza looks attractive because Balikwisha could reset his career in a more technical setting, while Basel and Elversberg offer routes to regular football.
A permanent sale could let Celtic recover part of a £4.5m investment and clear space for O’Neill’s attack. A loan with a purchase clause could make more sense if buyers remain uncertain. Celtic have added attacking options this summer, which makes patience harder to justify.
There is a counterpoint. Balikwisha is still only 25, and his Antwerp record shows a player who can contribute from central areas. Celtic transfer news around his exit reflects a tactical mismatch as much as a failed signing, and that distinction could matter to whichever club take the gamble.
