Celtic make decision on Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s future

Celtic could send Michel-Ange Balikwisha out on loan before transfer deadline

Celtic are expected to explore a move for Michel-Ange Balikwisha before the transfer window closes, with journalist David Friel suggesting that a loan deal could be the most likely outcome for the winger.

Speaking on The Scottish Sun Sport’s latest Celtic transfer discussion, Friel gave his view on Balikwisha’s situation while assessing the club’s remaining business this summer.

The journalist believes Celtic will attempt to remove the Congolese winger from their wage bill, even if only temporarily.

“I think Celtic will be trying to get Michel-Ange Balikwisha off the wage bill, even for the season,” Friel said.

Balikwisha arrived at Celtic last summer in a deal worth around £5 million, but the 24-year-old has struggled to establish himself under the current setup. He has failed to become a regular starter and has also found it difficult to secure a consistent role as a substitute.

Despite his lack of impact in Glasgow, Friel believes Celtic should still be able to attract interest in the player because of his reputation from his time in Belgium and his experience at international level.

“I think there’ll be some interest. He’s a £5 million player. He’s not shown it, obviously, at Celtic, but he’s an international player,” he added.

The journalist feels a permanent transfer is unlikely to materialise at the moment, particularly if Celtic are hoping to recoup most of the fee they paid for him.

Instead, a loan move could provide the most realistic solution, potentially giving Balikwisha the opportunity to rebuild his form and value elsewhere.

“He’ll have a decent enough reputation in Belgium and the rest of Europe. I think they’ll get a loan,” Friel explained.

A temporary departure could also include an option for the player’s next club to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

“I don’t think anybody’s going to come in and pay the money, but I think they may get a loan with a kind of option to buy or something like that,” Friel said.

With Balikwisha seemingly falling down the pecking order at Celtic, Friel ultimately expects the winger to leave before the transfer window shuts.

“So I think he’ll go,” he concluded.