Michel-Ange Balikwisha is continuing to play in a new position for Royal Antwerp, lining up in a midfield three as a box-to-box midfielder in their 3-5-2 setup.
Instead, he’s been used either centrally as an attacking midfielder or deeper in midfield and has done well.
Last season was a tough one for Balikwisha due to injury, but this year he’s looked sharp. He’s started all three of Antwerp’s league games so far and seems to be finding his rhythm again. His performance against Leuven showed signs that he’s getting back to his best.
Rodgers has been open about Celtic needing more quality in the final third. Balikwisha could be a good fit. Celtic have been looking for players who can bring goals, creativity and flexibility, and the 24-year-old is now showing he can offer all three, even in a different role.
Antwerp are believed to want between £4 million and £5 million if they’re to let him go. That price might seem high, but given his age and current form, it could prove a smart bit of business.
One complication is Antwerp’s own squad depth. They’re light on attacking options themselves, so they may be reluctant to sell without a replacement lined up.
Celtic, though, are working to a tight deadline. With the Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty coming up, Rodgers is allowed to add two players to the squad by Tuesday night.
Soccer Football – Europa Conference League – Group H – Kairat v Basel – Almaty Central Stadium, Almaty, Kazakhstan – November 25, 2021 Basel’s Edon Zhegrova in action with Kairat’s Kamo Hovhannisyan and Jacek Goralski REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev
Balikwisha looks like one of the most realistic options to come in before the deadline, possibly in time to feature in the first leg at Celtic Park on Wednesday night.
He’s not played on the wing this season, but if Celtic do make their move, they’ll be signing a player finding form, full of energy, and with the potential to make a real impact.
